Health

Panchakarma – Ayurvedic Detoxification And Rejuvenation Therapy

January 11, 2021 By Editor

Health can be defined as a state when the body, mind and spirit function in harmony with each other.

The ancient science of Ayurveda emphasizes preventative measures and curative therapies, which include regular purifying of the body – in order to maintain an ideal state of health. Ayurveda also recommends proper diet and lifestyle guidelines to live a balanced, healthy life. Panchakarma is a Sanskrit term which literally translated means “five actions”, that help purify the body.

According to Ayurveda, every individual is a unique combination of the five universal elements (Pancha Mahabhoota) – represented in the mind-body system as the Doshas or the energetic principles. The three Doshas are:

Vata – Space (Akasa) & Air (Vayu)

Pitta – Fire (Agni) & Water (Jala)

Kapha – Water (Jala) & Earth (Prithvi)

A state of health exists when the digestive fire (Agni) is in a balanced condition; the Tridosha are in equilibrium, the three waste products (urine, faeces and sweat) are eliminated normally, the seven bodily tissues (rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra) are functioning normally, and the mind, senses and consciousness are working harmoniously together.

When this balance is disturbed, imbalance occurs, which is disorder. Health is order; disease is disorder. Disorder can be created quite easily by a number of factors – an improper diet, sleep cycle, exercise style, room temperature, emotional and stress handling or seasonal change – can all derange the Doshas and create imbalance.

Panchakarma purifies the body by eliminating accumulated toxins (Ama), consequently improving metabolic rate and restoring digestive fire (Agni), while balancing the Doshas. While being primarily preventative, Panchakarma is also curative to a large extent.

Some general benefits of Panchakarma:

✓ Increases strength and immunity

✓ Promotes detoxification

✓ Increases energy levels, revitalises

✓ Anti-aging, rejuvenating

✓ Prevents neuro-degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s

✓ Prevents bone-degenerative disease

✓ Increases metabolism

✓ Increases memory and concentration

✓ Promotes weight loss, treats obesity

✓ Regulates menstruation

✓ Reduces insomnia

✓ Enhances the mind; promotes mental clarity and well-being and on a deeper level, enhances consciousness.

The process of Panchakarma involves three broad, consecutive stages.

Stage 1

PURVAKARMA (Preparation Stage)

Breakdown and liquefy toxic blockages, clear body channels and move toxins to GIT through a – series of warm oil massages and other heat-applying therapies as well as oral herbal oil intake.
The recommended duration for this stage is 7-10 days. It is done in the Ayurveda Clinic.
Ama is broken down by the following actions:
Abhyanga (oil massage)
Udwarthanam (powder massage)
Kizhi (hot bundles)
Bashpa Sweda (steam bath)
Snehapanam (oral oil intake)
Purvakarma stage goals:
Breakdown toxin blockages
Force toxins out of tissues and cells
Liquefy toxins through heat application
Lubricate body channels through internal and external oelation
Move toxins to GIT region
Alleviate body parts and muscles from any tensions or pain
Stimulate organs and their activity
De-stress and relax the mind

Stage 2

PRADHANAKARMA (Elimination Stage)

Remove toxins from the body and balance the Tridosha through five prescribed elimination and cleansing therapies.
The recommended duration for this stage is 5-10 days. It is done while in the Ayurveda Clinic.
The Five cleansing procedures used during elimination are:
- Vamanam – medically induced vomiting. Targets throat, stomach, lungs. Balances Kapha.
- Nasyam – medicated nasal drops/ powders. Targets head, sinuses, brain. Balances Kapha.
- Virechanam – medicated purgation. Targets liver, spleen, colon, gallbladder, intestines. Balances Pitta.
- Sneha Basti – medicated oil enema. Targets colon and intestines. Balances Vata.
- Kashaya Basti – cleansing enema. Targets GIT (colon, intestines)
Pradhanakarma stage goals:
Eliminate toxins, foreign substances, and Ama from body
Eliminate excess dosha levels to establish equilibrium
Cleanse internal body organs
Reset digestive function
Clear respiratory channels from unwanted phlegm
Clear head region from liquids
Stimulate functioning of the brain
Improve cell absorption to nutrients

Stage 3

PASCHATKARMA (Post Treatment Care)

Nourish exhausted body tissues through natural nutrients and a positive lifestyle and establish balanced metabolic and immune functions.
The recommended duration for this stage is 2-4 weeks. This stage can be at home or in the Ayurveda Centre.
Basic steps to follow during this stage
Proper nutrition (healthy, light diet)
Proper relaxation (7-8 hours of sleep every night)
Positive lifestyle (low stress, mild exercise, yoga & pranayama are recommended)
Certain Rasayanam (rejuvenating herbal preparations) and/or additional ayurvedic supplements may be prescribed.
Paschatkarma Stage goals:
Nourish and refresh body cells
Invigorate body tissues, organs, and functions
Establish balanced digestive and immune functions
Oxygenate body and cells

In essence, this ancient Ayurvedic treatment method has been practiced for hundreds of years for holistic rejuvenation across India. The popularity of Panchakarma is spreading across the world primarily as a method to boost immunity and for detoxification but also comes with many other benefits.

For more information on this, you can contact Dr. Vishnu

Dr. P.R. Vishnu, BAMS, MD is director of the Sivananda Institute of Health at the Sivananda Dhanwantari Ashram, Kerala, South India

To contact please e-mail: dr.vishnu101@gmail.com

Disclaimer: All visitors to this site are advised to please check with your doctor and/or healthcare professional before starting any yoga asana technique, meditation, kriya, diet, exercise, or trying information provided by the Ayurvedic or Holistic Healthcare professionals or yoga teachers. The information provided in this website is intended to be used for information purposes only and/or, where applicable, under guided instructions from a certified professional at your own risk. Nothing contained in this site is a substitute for medical care and attention. We do not make any claims, promises, or guarantees about the individual or group outcome of any technique, process, diet, exercise or related services.

Mexican Molletes Sandwich

July 27, 2020 By Editor

by Mariana Rebollo Moreira

The Mexican Molletes is a popular grilled sandwich served across Mexico. It is nutritious, simple, and fast to prepare with ingredients such as beans, cheese and vegetable salsa. If you love grilled cheese sandwiches, the Molletes is a similar type of Mexican version.

Mexicans eat Molletes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Most Mexican restaurants serve Molletes and they have a place on their menu.

Mashed beans is a good protein source and it is very common to use beans in the Mexican diet. Adding cheese and vegetable sauces make it tasty, nourishing and a healthy food choice. If you are Vegan, you can use Vegan Cheese substitutes that are available or an Avocado spread instead of regular cheese.

Ingredients for making (per serving)

-Mashed beans (2 teaspoons)

-Cheese (as required)

-Baguette (Bread)

-Butter (optional)

-Onion (20gm)

-1 Tomato

-Coriander (50gm)

-1 Lemon (one slice)

Prepare the “Pico de Gallo” sauce for topping:

-Fine chop onion, tomato and coriander

-Add lemon juice to the fine chopped items above and mix them well

-Add salt and pepper as required

Cooking Step by Step:

Step 1: (Preheat the Oven)

-Preheat the oven or convection toaster oven to 450°F (220°C).

Step 2: (Brown the Baguette with butter)

-Heat a skillet or cooking pan over medium heat.

-Spread the butter over the cut sides of the Baguette or bread.

-Place the bread slices with the cut sides down on the hot skillet or pan.

-Watch closely until the bread slice gets lightly golden brown in a minute or two.

Step 3: (Prepare the Baguette / bread for grilling)

-Spread the mashed beans over the toasted side of the baguette or bread.

-Place a layer of regular cheese (preferably Cheddar cheese) or any Vegan alternative of your choice.

-Place the Molletes in the oven until the cheese is melted and turned golden brown, usually ready in about 5 minutes.

Step 4: (Spread sauce and serve)

-Spread “Pico de Gallo” sauce or “Salsa” on top of the warm mollete with the beans and melted cheese

-Serve fresh and enjoy!

Ayurveda – Agni for proper digestion and better immunity

July 3, 2020 By Editor

by Dr. P.R. Vishnu, BAMS, MD

In my thinking, Agni is the action of acids like HCl, NaCl and KCl plus the enzymes that break down the macromolecules into single, simple units. This is in the context of ‘agnipravarthana (action of fire) ‘ in gastrointestinal tract. In the intracellular context Agni can be the enzymes that break down the molecule itself into smaller and smaller molecules. This breaking down can be for transforming one molecule into another form for physiological purposes or for storage purpose or for generating energy.

Digestive related Agni:

Agni is pitha .So it is protons or positively charged ions like H+, Ca+ ,Na+ ,K+ etc. In the bucal cavity itself this agni is present in the form of enzymes.

In the stomach there are acids like HCl, NaCl,and KCl which are present. These acids are needed for many purposes. HCl is needed for the conversion of pepsinogen into pepsin which is essential for breaking down peptic bond in protein chains. For example, if HCl is low, some of the unbroken peptides reach the duodenum. Since the first phase of the digestion is not taken place properly, the rest of conversion also does not take place correctly and thus the macromolecules reaches the colon. This will cause the gut bacteria to continue with the rest of digestion and this bacterial digestion triggers gas formation.

Lipids also need acids for forming micells. Then only it can be absorbed by enterocytes. This acid is provided by the gall bladder from the liver.

So in essence, if stomach acids or bile acids are less, protein digestion and lipid digestion will be in trouble. This stage can be considered ‘mandagni’ or dull digestive stage will not be able to digest even smaller portions of food.

Acids are needed for the activation and propulsion of peristaltic movement. If acids are less peristaltic movement will be slow.

Note, this is a stage pitta low and Kapha high. We need to use pitta increasing and Kapha reducing food and medicine for example, ginger, pepper, cumin, etc

Theekshagni:

Excessive acids in the stomach can liquefy the mucus and make ulcerations in the stomach wall. If bile acids are high, the same thing can happen in small intestine as well. More over peristaltic movement will be faster and can lead to acid optic disorder and bleeding from stomach or intestines.

Note, this is a stage where pitta is high and Kapha is low. The use of bitter, sweet food and medicine will reduce Pitta and increase Kapha for example milk, licorice, dry grapes, sweats take bitter taste

Vishamagni:

This is stage Agni is influenced by Vata so the Agni production will be irregular. In vishamagni ,agni can be dull at times and sharp at other times this is the basic problem is mandagni. There will be less acids or excessive production of pitta. So the body pushes proteins and lipids to the colon, and the bacteria present in the colon will act on this Protein and lipids to cause gas. If the gas is not released through downwards, and it gets obstructed, the gas will move upward and reach stomach. In this upward movement even bile can reach the stomach. This will cause acidity or amlapitha. Ayurveda think this is a stage of tikshna Agni but actually this is a stage of vishamagani and has to balance the Agni instead of treating for excessive fire.

Samagni:

It is a stage of normal limit of the acids, alkali and neutral elements of the koshta.

Proper digestion and proper metabolism means good immunity!

Dr P.R. Vishnu, BAMS, MD is director of the Sivananda Institute of Health at the Sivananda Dhanwantari Ashram, Kerala, south India

e-mail: dr.vishnu101@gmail.com

Common health concerns about processed food

July 14, 2018 By Prem Lee Prasannan

Why is processed food a health risk?

The health concerns of processed food have been in the research domain for decades now. The multi-billion-dollar food processing and manufacturing industry has been heavily investing in the preparation and marketing of tasty processed food products at attractive and affordable prices. Consumers rarely pay attention to the nutritional facts of these food items that flood our grocery stores.

Even though there is a lot of ongoing research happening and some information is readily available in the public domain, people tend to disregard the alarming health concerns surrounding it. The primary cause of most of our health issues is a poor diet and unhealthy choices.

Pre-packaged food has a high level of risk since it often contains a range of tastemakers, other additives, and preservatives. In most countries, it is mandatory to indicate on the package the key ingredients used in the product and the country of origin of the product. It is often the case that we do not understand the chemicals added as preservatives and other taste-making additives. Studies show that long-term consumption of these ingredients may lead to several minor and major health problems.

Are there any health risks associated with products with a longer shelf life?

Processed food items are often prepared to be consumed instantly with little or no cooking. For their longer shelf life, these foods are often packaged and preserved with different types of oils, chemicals, or salt. The excessive use of these items over the long term can affect our health and also damage body organs. There is enough research data to suggest that certain commonly seen diseases are triggered by our routine food habits.

Some of the commonly known diseases are diabetes, obesity, heart disorders, and cancer. Awareness and a careful approach to our food choices might help reduce the risk of these diseases:

Added Sugar: For artificially sweetening food, often extra sweeteners like sugar, concentrated fruit juice, or artificial sweeteners are added.
Artificial flavours: These are taste makers that are mostly chemical substances. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is one of the harmful agents commonly used in food.
Artificial Preservatives: Chemicals added to food for a longer shelf life
Food texture: chemicals or ingredients like corn starch are added to the food to give it a particular consistency or texture.
High in Carbohydrates: Processed carbohydrates can cause quick blood sugar and insulin levels in the body.
High in trans fats, trans fats as a food additive are usually made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil or fat. Studies have shown an increased risk of heart disease due to trans fats.
Less Fibre in Food: Often packaged food has less fibre, which causes the body’s sugar level to go up and down quickly. This results in more frequent eating for the body to maintain a consistent energy level.

Overall wellness depends primarily on the health of our physical bodies. Choosing a healthy diet is important to provide our body with adequate nutrition and energy to sustain a healthy body and mind.

Shopping tips:

Avoid food that contains artificial flavours or preservatives.
Choose food that contains mostly natural ingredients.
Make sure trans fat or saturated fat are at reasonable levels.
Avoid foods with artificial sweeteners.

Choose foods with less sodium (salt).
Avoid foods that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate). MSG is used as a taste-making salt substitute mostly in Chinese and Asian cuisines.
Avoid foods that are high in sugar.

NOTE: Read the ingredients on the label to make sure it is not harmful to the body or at excessive levels.

Cold & Flu Relief With Neti – Natural Remedies

June 24, 2018 By Prem Lee Prasannan

What is Neti?

Neti is a Sanskrit term derived from the roots na and ti, which together translate as “not so”. Neti is a centuries old yogic practise originated in India. It is known as a technique to cleanse and strengthen the body and keeping it illness-free.

There are types of Neti practise-

Jela Neti
- It simply mean “water cleansing”.
- It is advised to use a pinch of salt to help dilute the mucous in nasal passage.

Photo: Neti Pot for Jela Neti

Sutra Neti
- Nasal Cleansing Using a Cord
- This practise is suggested to only though a certified yoga teacher.
  - Sutra neti is performed with a soft rubber catheter. The person tilts the head slightly backward to insert the catheter into one nostril. The catheter is gently pushed inside until it reaches the throat. The person can then gently pull out one end of the catheter through the mouth, with the other end still outside the nostril. The thread is then moved back and forth a few time. The catheter is removed and the process is repeated on the opposite side.

Photo: The rubber catheter for Sutra Neti

Benefits of doing Neti:

Removes dirt and bacteria with the mucus in the blocked nostrils
Soothes allergies due to dust and pollen
Makes breathing easier
Reduces the chance of throat and ear infections
Reduces sinus infection and reduces migraine
Reduces bad breath due to mucus and bacteria build up
Relaxes nervous system and reduces stress
Improves vision

What is Neti Pot?

Photo: Use luke warm water and non-iodized salt for Jela Neti

Neti pot is a container used for cleaning the nasal passage using filtered Luke warm water or Saline solution. The picture shows the Neti pot, regular sea salt for Jela Neti and Rubber catheter for Sutra Neti.

What do you need for Jela Neti?

A Neti pot
A pinch of salt
Lukewarm water
Optional: Using one drop of Eucalyptus oil will give an extra freshness – Beware as this may increase the nasal burn

How to use Neti Pot?

Photo: Pass water through the nostril with mouth open for breathing

Clean the neti pot with hot water
Get 2 cups of filtered clean water or boiled water
Make sure the water is gently warm
Add a pinch of non-iodized salt into the luke warm water
Bend over the washroom sink as illustrated in the picture with head slightly tilted
Make sure you are breathing through your mouth during the neti practise
Insert the spout of the pot into the upper nostril
Raise the pot so the saline solution flows from the upper nostril and come out through the lower nostril
Block your lower nostril and gently blow out the mucus and water to come out
Repeat the process on the lower nostril
Once completed, blow your nostrils thoroughly to release any water stuck inside the passage
Make sure to clean the Neti pot with soap and hot water

Health

Panchakarma – Ayurvedic Detoxification And Rejuvenation Therapy

Mexican Molletes Sandwich

Ayurveda – Agni for proper digestion and better immunity