Potli Facial
Instant de-tanning and rejuvenation
Panchakarma saves Kusum from her infirmity
Sesame Oil
The most revered in Ayurveda
Detoxification The mantra of good health
Do some spiritual cleansing this season! My child does not eat well…
Detoxification The mantra of good health
Potli Facial-Instant de-tanning... An Astrological perspective on Cancer Eat Light the Ayurvedic Way Harad – The Magical Herb Lemony Barley Soup Dr. Granny – Constipation
I
magine the fate of your car if you only sent it for car wash regularly, but never took it out for servicing. Surely, your engine will collapse within a short period. You can compare your body with a car – it also requires internal cleansing just as it needs regular bathing. This procedure of internal cleansing is known as shodhan (detoxification) in Ayurveda.
The balance of doshas and the harmony of the mind and emotions is the key to good health in Ayurveda. Detoxification is an effective tool to achieve a state of balance in the mind, body and soul.
Detoxification The mantra of good health — By Dr. Partap Chauhan
As a result of the daily workings of the digestive system, it creates a lot of waste products. These waste products or toxins are eliminated through the natural channels of the body. However, with today's modern lifestyle, faulty diet, mental stress, negative emotions, pollution and other hazards of modern day living, the channels that eliminate these toxins are obstructed. The accumulation of these toxins contaminates the doshas, tissues and jatharagni (digestive fire) to cause a variety of diseases. Apart from the toxins created by the digestive system, there is another toxin in the body known as 'ama' in Ayurveda. This toxin is created as a result of undigested food or partly digested food in the digestive system. The main reasons for generation and accumulation of ama in the body are eating untimely, eating too much food, eating against the body's nature, weak digestion, and eating contaminated food. This is also created due to excess consumption of junk food, lack of exercise and erratic eating habits. Ama plays an important role in the formation of diseases in the body.
The importance of shodhan It is a well-known fact in Ayurveda that the elimination of toxins, waste products and ama is imperative for the smooth running of the bodily functions. Detoxification or elimination of toxins is also the main purpose of Panchakarma. Panchakarma therapy is effective in the treatment of chronic and complex diseases because it works on the root cause of the disease by balancing doshas, eliminating waste products and ama, and rejuvenating and strengthening the body. Though Panchakarma therapy is done under expert medical supervision, we can adopt a few rules of detoxification in our daily diet and lifestyle for good health. Note that even the daily cleaning of the five sense organs – eyes, nose, tongue, ear and skin – is also very important for good health. Washing the sense organs early in the morning can help in the prevention and cure of numerous diseases. Applying sesame oil inside the nose, ears and skin is also very favourable for the body.
Physical shodhan For natural detoxification it is important that you eat light, digestible and nourishing food and go for timely evacuation of bowels and urine. Also regular exercise, Yoga and Pranayama play a big part in ensuring natural detoxification. Apart from the above you can follow the below tips for shodhan.
Eat a small piece of fresh ginger before meals.
Drink lukewarm water or with ginger or fennel seeds.
Avoid junk food, fast food, and spicy and fried foods.
It's also important that you also sweat regularly because our body eliminates some portion of the body's toxins through the skin pores as sweat. Remember that late night sleeping, daytime sleeping, and exerting oneself more than one's physical capacity is also responsible for producing ama in the body. Additionally, the presence of chemicals and pollutants in food and the immediate environment is responsible for ama aggravation. To enhance the body's capacity to digest ama take one tablespoon of aampachak churna twice daily with lukewarm water.
How to make aampachak churna To make aampachak churna mix 10 gm each of saunth (dried ginger powder), cumin powder and coriander powder with 20 gm each of powdered fennel and mint powder. This churna is very effective in digesting ama.
Benefits of shodhan Eat light at night. Have your meals at least 2-3 hours before going to bed.
According to Ayurveda, shodhan is effective in the prevention and cure of various diseases and helps to achieve and maintain optimum health. Following are the health benefits of shodhan. 1. Reduces and eliminates toxins from the body.
Have some Ayurvedic pachak churna such as Lavana Bhaskar Churna after meals.
2. Increase body immunity. 3. Increases life force, memory power and vitality. 4. Prevents and cures a variety of diseases.
Eat fresh fruits, fruit juices or vegetable soups once a week to restore your digestive sfire (jatharagni) and eliminate toxins.
Drink 2-3 liters of pure water daily. You can add lemon juice to enhance detoxification.
Stay away from tea, coffee, tobacco, smoking, alcohol, cold drinks, and packaged and processed foods.
5. Reduces physical and mental stress.
Mental shodhan Apart from the detoxification of the body and sense organs it is also important that you purify your mind. Excessive thinking and keeping your attention glued on external things such as T.V., computer, mobile phone and video games creates disturbance in the mind. To keep you mind and emotions clean and clear devote some time to meditation so that your focus is inward rather than the outside world. Also, a healthy sleeping habit is instrumental in ensuring a healthy mind. Detoxification is one of the cornerstones of healthy and successful living. Therefore, you should incorporate shodhan in your diet and lifestyle at least every three months for optimum health.
A
ccording to Ayurveda, the health of a person depends on the states of the three doshas called vata, pitta and kapha. The balance of these three doshas is the basic foundation of health. They are called doshas – literally meaning defects - because their imbalance creates a defect in one's body. Therefore, restoring health means bringing the doshas in their balanced state. This is done by appropriate lifestyle, diet, herbs and Panchakarma. Just as in Ayurveda there is Panchakarma therapy to purify the body from ama (toxins), rejuvenate and promote ojas, spirituality helps us to rejuvenate and purify the mind by
dispelling toxic thoughts and ideas. In spirituality the impurities or imbalances arises in the mind because of our desires. According to Sankhya philosophy, the mind evolves from ego or I-consciousness (ahankara) predominantly in goodness (sattva). The basic nature of sattva is peace, illumination, purity, and no modification. However, because the mind is a modification of ahanakara which is the foundation for the will to act and enjoy, it is the seat of all desires. Desires have the nature to create agitation and contaminate the mind. Though the mind is inherently peaceful in nature, impurities in the form of desires make it restless. The mind is like a lake in which waves of desire arise incessantly. It does not
Do some
Spiritual Cleansing
this season!
— Dr. Satyanarayana Dasa
In our world of unending desires and ambitions, it is hard to look at things from a higher perspective and achieve clarity and peace of mind. Ironically, our mind needs a lack – the lack of desires and thoughts to achieve peacefulness.
rest even in sleep. It is busy with dreams. Just as when there are no ripples in a lake when undisturbed, in the same way the absence of thoughts and desire keep the mind peaceful. Therefore our mind needs a lack – the lack of thoughts and desires – and nothing else to achieve peacefulness.
The Story of the Mysterious Bowl Once upon a time there was a king who was very charitable. He was famous for his kindness and generosity. One morning a sadhu (a holy sage) appeared in his court with a begging bowl in his hand. The king received the sadhu respectfully and asked him what he wanted. The sadhu smiled and said, “Respected king I have heard about your charitable deeds and your fame has spread far and wide. But I am just a sadhu and my needs are very limited. I just want enough alms to fill my begging bowl.” The king who was happy being praised, responded, “O Holy man, you have come to me. You should ask for something so you don't have to beg again in your life.” The sadhu spoke with a witty smile on his face, “O venerable king, indeed, such words are suitable to you
but I am a renounced vairagi (hermit) and I do not hoard things. If I ask for more, I will become attached to my possessions and it will act as an obstacle in my spiritual practice. Kindly just fill up my begging bowl.” The king was impressed with the words of wisdom spoken by the sadhu. He ordered a servant to bring rice and fill up his bowl. The servant immediately brought some rice in a big pot and began pouring it into the sadhu's bowl. But to his amazement, the bowl remained empty. He was clueless and the king was astonished as well. He saw the sadhu standing and smiling. The king signaled to the servant to bring more rice and pour into the sadhu's bowl. It was the same, the rice disappeared again. At this moment the king's court was a scene of chaos everyone was making wild conjectures about the sadhu and his bowl. The king was now embarrassed for his inability to fulfill the promise but was not yet ready to give up. Therefore, he ordered a few more servants to bring more rice and pour into the bowl. By noon the store-house of the king was empty of all food grains but the bowl was completely empty. Finally, the king accepted his defeat and begged forgiveness. The sadhu replied,”O king, this bowl represents the human mind. Since every desire signifies a lack of something its
The king was impressed with the words of wisdom spoken by the sadhu. He ordered a servant to bring rice and fill up his bowl. The servant immediately brought some rice in a big pot and began pouring it into the sadhu's bowl.
emptiness represents human desire. Pouring grains into the bowl is similar to satisfying our desires. Filling up the bowl means that all desires are satisfied. But you saw that it was impossible to fill up the bowl even with all the grains in your storehouse. Which means it's impossible to achieve all that one desires.”
Moral of the Story This story demonstrates how material desires are like a bottomless pit. In an attempt to satisfy one's material desires a person becomes caught up in the bondage of karma which leads to misery. Desires create an imbalance in our mind making us lose our peaceful state of existence. We have no control over our desires. They flash into our mind without any conscious effort. However, we need not become a slave of our desires. The key is to replace material desires with spiritual desires. This can be achieved by associating oneself with people of wisdom, studying spiritual literature, meditation, and righteous thoughts and actions.
The Spirit of Diwali When Kaikei, lost in her lust for power and glory, asked the throne for her son and exile for Ram from Dasrath, she disgraced herself and lost the love of her son and husband. On the other hand Bharat sacrificed the throne and waited for Ram to return back from exile and rule the kingdom. His name today symbolizes love, devotion, service and responsibility. Bharat's name and fame is immortal. When Ram returned home after spending 14 years in exile, Ayodhya was decked with light and color - decorated like a bride to welcome him home. Similarly, sacrifice, devotion and unconditional love are the pillars that ensure a peaceful mind and soul. Unconditional love and devotion is what brings us closer to God. Diwali signifies the victory of wisdom over ignorance and the light over darkness.
Happy Diwali
Cancer
Scorpio
Pisces
O
W
ith our hectic lifestyle, mental and emotional stress, faulty diet, and erratic sleeping patterns we are bound to create an accumulation of toxins (ama) in our body tissues. All this results in the imbalances of the three doshas, considered the root cause of all diseases in Ayurveda. Hence, periodic elimination of toxins from the body is important to restore balance and maintain good health.
Basti Basti is one of the popular forms of Panchakarma therapy that deals with detoxification and rejuvenation. It is a medicated enema for purification performed under medical supervision. It is usually prescribed in conditions of vata predominance like low back ache, constipation, sciatica, excessive flatulence, paralysis and arthritis among others.
Basti therapy is effective in the below problems • Constipation
• Chronic Fever
• Cold
• Sexual problem
• Kidney stones
• Heart pain
• Backache
• Sciatica
• Joint pain
• Arthritis
• Rheumatism
• Gout
• Muscle spasms
• Headaches
• Urinary disorders • Hemiplegia
Basti An excellent way to detoxify & rejuvenate
Basti is mainly of two types, namely Kashaya Basti (decoction enema) Sneha Basti (oil enema).
Kashaya Basti Kashaya Basti is a herbal decoction enema helps in purifying the body system by expelling impurities and toxins from the body. It also strengthens the body and enhances the complexion. It provides relief in problems such as hemiplegia, urinary dis-orders, abdominal distention and constipation. This therapy is done with a combination of honey, rock salt, oil, herbal paste and other decoction.
Sneha Basti Sneha Basti is a medicated oil enema used in Ayurveda to cleanse and purify the colon, and
to nourish the body. It also helps in lubricating and rejuvenating the body. Sneha basti and kashaya basti is actually used in combination to create a balance of purification and nourishment in the body. Usually, sneha basti is given first to lubricate and is followed by kashaya basti for purification. The combination of sneha and kashaya in basti therapy helps in normalizing all the doshas and cure diseases. Basti therapy nourishes and rebuilds the dhatus (body tissues), strengthens their function and restores the body's immunity. It not only nourishes the body but is effective in removing accumulated malas (toxins) from the colon. It is advised that you always undergo basti therapy under expert medical supervision. If you want to go for high-quality Panchakarma therapy at our Panchakarma center in Faridabad, you can call us at 0129-4088168 or email: clinics@jiva.com
ur body is designed in such a way that it can remain healthy and strong in a natural way. If a person adopts a healthy diet and lifestyle, he can enjoy a satisfying and successful life. Often times a faulty diet, wrong habits and stress can obstruct the normal functioning of the body. This results in the accumulation of waste products and toxins in the body causing a variety of diseases. Yoga, Pranayama and meditation are helpful in increasing the body's immunity and enhancing strength and vitality. Ardhamatsyendra asana is one of the most effective Yoga postures that benefits the lungs, liver, spine and the digestive system. It is a halfspinal twist yoga posture and named after the renowned Maha Yogi Matsayendra who was known to practice this asana frequently.
- Bend the left leg and place the left foot on the ground over the right knee.
6. It is helpful in alleviating problems of the urinary tract and the reproductive system.
- Bend the right leg and fold it so that it is resting on the ground with the right heel near the left buttock.
7. Strengthens the digestive system.
- Bring the right hand over the left leg and grab the big toe of the left foot. - Inhale and exhaling twist the trunk of the body as much as possible, turning the neck so the gaze is over the left shoulder and encircle the waist with the left hand with the palm facing outwards. Continue to maintain the asana, breathing normally.
Precautions Keep your spine and neck erect
while doing this asana. This asana should be avoided
during pregnancy. People with waist pain or
wounds should avoid doing this exercise. Note: Always consult a Yoga expert or instructor before practicing any Yoga posture.
-Take 5 deep breaths and continue the asana in the other position. Benefits: 1. It is very beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. 2. Strengthens the lungs and increases stamina. 3. Enhances flexibility in the spinal column.
Direction:
4. Nourishes the liver.
- Sit down in a straight position and stretch your leg in front of your body.
5. Strengthens the nerves and limb muscles.
Ardhamatsyendra Asana — Yogacharya Harish Mohan
Interesting facts Harad is a magical herb with numerous advantages in Ayurveda. Strengthening the digestive system, detoxification and strengthening your intellect are just a few of its benefits.
It is said that when Indra
(king of the Hindu gods and the ruler of the heavens) was drinking amrita (nectar) in heaven a drop of the fluid fell on earth and produced harad. Harad also means a herb that originated from Hari's (God's) home. In Tibet, harad is known as
the king of medicines. There are seven types of
harad, namely, vijaya, rohini, putana, amrita, abhaya, jivanti and cetaki – which is grown in different areas of India.
Harad – A herb with magical powers According to Charaka, the most eminent and ancient Ayurvedic physician, Harad is the best fruit for rejuvenation and disease cure. Harad is deepana, which means it ignites the digestive fire making even micro nutrients available to the body. It is one of the best known Ayurvedic herbs for rejuvenation and nutrition. The herb as one of the combination in triphala, is one of the best natural supplement for eye health.
The Magical Herb
Harad
Haritaki Manushyanam Maturev Hitkarini Kadachit Kupyante Mata Nodarasta Haritaki Harad/ Haritaki is like a mother. Though a mother may sometimes become angry, harad is never harmful. It’s always beneficial for the body.
H
arad – known as haritaki in Sanskrit, black myroblan in English and terminalia chebula in Latin – has detoxifying, laxative, rejuvenating, nervine, expectorant and astringent properties. Harad is effective in removing toxins by scraping accumulated waste or deposits from the body. Also, it is considered the best herb for the digestive system and lungs. Harad is a native plant to
southern Asia and found in India, Nepal, China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Vietnam. Harad nourishes the body and promotes good tissue health and is also good for the eyes. The herb has positive effects on the respiratory system and is beneficial in bronchitis, asthma and sinus disorders. Harad is also known as a bruhamni, which means it has the ability to increase the bulk of the body. It corrects the digestive system and
helps in the proper absorption of nutrition by the body. Thus, harad is one of the best natural remedies for weight gain. Harad is used in so many Ayurvedic remedies that a separate treatise can be written on the same. It has also been used in the Unani system of medicine for curing rheumatism, constipation, severe headache, migraine, runny nose, cold, catarrh, sciatica and more.
Harad is known as the great detoxifier and cleanser in Ayurveda because it has the unique ability to remove undigested malas, (body waste) which leads to the accumulation of amas (toxins). Thus, it is recommended as the best natural remedy for constipation. The herb is effective in maintaining ideal body weight because it helps to lose as well as gain weight. Additionally, harad is infused with natural compounds that delays the signs of ageing and increases longevity. Harad can be taken regularly in a powdered form. The dose is about one teaspoon of powder, once or twice daily. It is usually taken with water or milk but, depending on the disorder or condition of the person, it may be taken with other substances.
According to Charaka, the most eminent and ancient Ayurvedic physician, Harad is the best fruit for rejuvenation and disease cure. Why take Harad? 1. Harad is most effective in curing chronic constipation. 2. It helps in treating digestive disorders like dysentery, flatulence, ulcers, distention and parasitic infections. 3. It supports the functions of colon, liver and lungs. 4. Harad reduces the deposition of fats in the liver and blood. 5. Harad helps in strengthening jatharagni and improving digestion. 6. It eliminates toxins and prevents disease. 7. It enhances the senses and increases intellect.
Tips: To ascertain the quality of harad: Drop the fruit in a glass of water, if it's of good quality it will settle down to the bottom
Home Remedies: 1. For relief from inflammation of the eyes make a fine paste of the rind and apply it on the eyelids for 4-5 days. 2. For relief from mouth ulcers make a smooth paste of powdered harad with thin buttermilk and use as a mouthwash several times a day. 3. Grind the fruit with some water into a thick, smooth paste and apply on affected areas. 4. Haritaki powder (1/2tsp) with warm milk or warm water is helpful in constipation. 5. A paste of milk and Haritaki powder (1tsp) applied to the skin is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation.
Important facts about Harad Latin Name English Name Hindi Name Sanskrit Name
: : : :
Terminalia chebula Black Myrobalan Harad Haritaki
Ayurvedic analysis of harad Rasa (Taste)
:
Guna
:
Harad contains all the six tastes except lavana (salty) Laghu (light); ruksha (rough)
: :
Ushna (warm) Madhura (sweet)
:
Tridoshahara (pacifies all the 3 humors)
(Characteristics)
Virya (Potency) Vipaka (post digestion effect)
Prabhava (special action)
Precautions Precautions to be taken while taking harad: - People with severe debility, lean body, mental depression and pregnant women should take the herb only after expert advice.
Doctor Granny Constipation Dr. Granny says “If you live up to my age (80 years) and eat just 1 kilo of food per day, you will have eaten 29,200 kilos of food in your lifetime. That's a lot of food and it's dreadful if your body cannot eliminate it properly.”
Lemony Barley Soup
Komal Karamchandani
Lemony Barley Soup is light and easy to digest. It is not only nourishing but an instant energy booster for the body. It pacifies all the three doshas.
Ingredients:2 tablespoon barley pearls 1 tablespoon finely chopped cabbage 1 tablespoon finely chopped carrots 1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander 1 small piece of ginger (finely chopped) 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 teaspoon black pepper powder 1 tablespoon lemon juice salt to taste
Preparation:
Medicinal Properties:-
1. Wash barley and soak in water for 3 hours. 2. Take oil in a pressure cooker, add cabbage, carrots and ginger. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. 3. Now add soaked barley and salt and 5 cups of water and pressure cook for 4 whistles on a medium flame. Cool slightly, open lid when pressure settle downs. 4. Add lime juice, black pepper powder, ginger and chopped coriander and serve hot.
Barley soup is light and easily digestible. It pacifies all the three doshas but can aggravate little vata. However addition of lime juice, black pepper powder and ginger pacifies vata dosha. It quenches thirst, cools the body, and gives instant energy, especially in the summer. For pacification of vata, always drink freshly prepared and warm. It is good for hyperacidity, urinary tract infection, skin disorders, and heat-induced headache.
Properties of Barley Taste: Madhura (sweet) and kashaya (astringent) Quality: Ruksha (dry) and laghu (light) Potency: Sheeta (cold) Post-digestive effect: Madhura (sweet)
According to Dr. Granny elimination should be as natural as brushing your teeth. In days of old, people answered to natural calls as soon as they woke up from bed and regular elimination was natural. The reason being, they were hardworking, active, had regular eating habits and enjoyed a healthy digestive system. It's a different story today, in the rush to reach office on time people delay their elimination and disturb their bowel movement in the process. Bowel movement is a part of indriya sudhikaran or the purification of the senses in
Ayurveda. In fact, good bowel movement is considered the backbone of good health. When elimination is disturbed for a long time it leads to constipation. Constipation is one of the most common health problems worldwide and it affects men, women and children alike. Inability to completely evacuate the bowels or passing very hard stools is known as constipation or vibandh in Ayurveda. If digestion is weakened and unbalanced, the doshas become aggravated and ama is produced leading to constipation, hyperacidity, flatulence and lack of appetite. Dr. Granny says, “If the sewer system in your home is choked up, your entire home is affected. Why it should be any different with your body.” Below you will find some useful home remedies for constipation: 1. Peel and chop a medium piece of ginger. Put in a glass container
and add 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds. Cover the ginger with lemon juice, add a pinch of salt and mix. Place the container in direct sunlight for 2 days in summer and 4 days in winter. Take half teaspoon daily before meals. 2. Wash 3 or 4 dried figs and 15 raisins in hot water, and soak overnight in a cup. In the morning, eat the fruits and drink the water they were soaked in. This mixture should also be taken in the evening. 3. Soak 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water overnight (or for at least 4 hours). Boil it to reduce around ¾ of cup, filter and drink warm. This can be taken once or twice a day. 4. Add 2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of water and drink 2-3 times a day. 5. Take 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder at bedtime with lukewarm water or you can take it first thing in the morning. 6. Make a powdered mixture of celery seeds, cumin seeds, and asafetida in equal quantities and have half a teaspoon 15 minutes before meals twice a day.
Dosha Analysis:Lemon Barley pacifies pitta dosha and kapha dosha, and aggravates vata dosha. It is very useful in pitta-aggravating disorders. Excessive intake can cause flatulence.
The digestive process
Note: Always consult a medical expert before using this home remedies. Home remedies are not a substitute for medicines. If there is no progress in your condition please consult a physician.