Q
1. In your opinion, what are the first 3-5 things an individual can do to get started on an Ayurvedic way of life?
A
- One should wake up in Brahma muhurta to maintain a healthy life.
- Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya are considered as three pillars of Ayurveda . Following proper dietary measures, having sound sleep and following adequate celibacy are helpful in promoting the healthy life of an individual.
- Not suppressing the natural urges initiated by senses of urine, defecation, vomiting, sneezing, yawning, hunger, thirst, tears, sleep and exertion.
Q
2. Can you share a few examples of when you have seen Ayurveda at its most transformative, or essentially its best?
A
- Ayurveda mentions skin diseases under the spectrum of Kushta, which causes disfiguration. There are many etiological factors which cause dermatological disorders. These factors include physical, physiological, hereditary, psychological, psychosocial, and Papakarma (sinful activities/ Psycho-social stress). As Kushta is very difficult to cure, so by adopting Shodhana therapy, it becomes easier due to removal of the root cause, hence Shodhana has great importance in multifactorial conditions.
- Ayurveda has some unique aspects of its fundamental concepts. Rasayana is one such concept. Rasayana drugs are those which have anti-aging effects. In Charaka Samhita , Rasayana are agents that are supportive to the qualitative improvement of tissues. Rasayana drugs promote tissue longevity through mechanisms like reduction of toxin/ metabolic waste load within the cell through their reduced production or increased scavenging, ensuring efficient use of energy within the cell.
- Ayurveda has worked wonders in treating disorders related to vata like vatavyadhi. It includes diseases like Kampavata(Parkinsonism), Pakshagatha(paralysis), ardita(facial paralysis) etc.where panchakarma acts as a beneficial tool.
- Ayurveda is having good results in treating infertility cases which is a global scenario in the current world.Through proper ahara, oushadha and panchakarma treatments infertility can be tackled easily.
Q
3. Are there certain situations, persons, or diseases that you have found Ayurveda to be more valuable for?
A
- The two principles of ayurveda are to prolong life and promote perfect health and to eradicate the disease and dysfunction of the body.
- The main utility is to obtain equilibrium of Seven tissues/Sapta dhatus in the body.
- Ayurveda has a miraculous treatment approach in disorders of vata, skin disorders, respiratory disorders, reproductive and metabolic disorders.
- In Ayurveda we cannot standardise treatment and medicines as it is solely dependent on the predominant dosha and pratriti of the individual.
Q
4. Are there situations or conditions you believe Ayurveda may not work, or that other modalities may provide greater impact?
A
- Diseases which require Surgical line of treatment
- In emergency situations like cardiac arrest, pulmonory embolism, high grade fracture etc.
- Ayurveda classifies diseases based on prognosis and diseases which fall under Asadhya vyadhis or which cannot be treated should not be considered.
- Ayurveda may not work for bedridden patients.
Q
5. What are some recommendations you have for someone to get the most out of their initial Ayurveda journey?
A
- Try to figure out which type of prakriti is predominant in the body and adapt to that particular diet and lifestyle.
- Try to follow Dinacharya/Daily regimens like body massage, head massage, brushing of teeth, scraping of tongue etc. and Ritucharya which are the regimens according to different seasons.
- Incorporate pranayama and short duration of yoga in daily activities
Q
6. When choosing an Ayurvedic doctor, what are some of the questions you recommend someone ask? Are there other things you recommend people research to ensure a good fit with their Ayurvedic doctor?
A
Ayurveda treats the whole body of an individual which starts with diet, medicines , internal purifications and yoga practices. Understanding the nature of treatments helps patients to ask the right questions and follow the course of treatment thereby getting better health. Patient should be aware of the concept of pathya and apathya i.e, wholesome and unwholesome diets and practices which are necessary to be followed while taking Ayurvedic treatments.
Q
7. What are the top 3-5 Ayurvedic herbs you believe we all need in our lives? Do they have any caveats or contra-indications in some situations?
A
- Guduchi/Indian bitter/Giloy – It is called as the herb of immortality.Useful in treating a wide range of diseases like fever, infections, skin issues, digestive problems, cancer, asthma etc.
- Neem- Has got potent antiseptic, anti-microbial, and antifungal propertiesIt has blood purifying actions and is helpful in treating intestinal infections,worms,eczema etc.Not advised for pregnant women inn high dose as it can cause misscarrage.It can cause constipation and lower blood glucose on prolonged usage..
- Punarnava/Boerhaavia diffusa – Has got antioxidants, wound healing power, anti-inflammatory properties, and can be used for urinary tract infection, liver detoxification.It can increase blood pressure and is advised to take under medical supervision.
- Tulsi/Holy basil – It is a natural immunity booster,used to treat fever,lowers stress and blood pressure,good for gut health.It should not be taken by pregnant women as it can cause uterine contractions and diabetic patients should be cautious as it can lower blood glucose levels.
- Aloe vera/Kumari – Has a wide range of cosmetic properties. Aids weight loss. Powerful gynecological tonic .Used for dental plaque. For some persons it may irritate skin and cause diarrhea.
Q
8. What are the few Ayurvedic spices we must all have in our kitchens?
A
- Turmeric – Has got antibacterialHas excellent wound healing capacity and antioxidant properties and acts as blood purifier.It has got diuretic propHas got excellent wound healing capacity and is also a common remedy for cough and cold.
- Coriander – Due to richness of iron in the seeds it is useful in treating anemia.It has got diuretic properties.Coriander is also helpful in treating high lipid levels in the body.
- Ginger -Beneficial in problems like indigestion, constipation and bleeding. Fresh ginger cures sore throat and protects from running nose and cold.IIt also controls respiratory problems like asthma and pneumonia.
- Black pepper – Has got carminative action which means it relieves flatulence. It improves circulation in the body and destroys excessive mucus of the digestive tract. Helps in indigestion.
- Fenugreek seeds – Helpful in loss of appetite and indigestion. It improves appetite and digestive power. It can be given to lactating women to improve lactation.
Q
9. Could you share a favourite Ayurvedic recipe? (could be anything – an Ayurvedic breakfast or tea, a cold remedy, something for indigestion, or detoxing)
A
Dadimashtaka churna yoga is one yoga which has been mentioned for treating diarrhea, grahani dosha, agnimandya and aruchi. This yoga has been mentioned in choorna yogas of Sahasrayogam text book. This particular yoga contains 14 ingredients and dadima being the chief constituent. Dadimashtaka choorna is prepared by powdering the drug individually where the yoga consists of tavaksheere, twak, patra, dadima, ela, nagakesara etc.
Method of Preparation:
All the below mentioned ingredients are taken and powdered separately and then mixed together to form the polyherbal formulation.
- Tugaksheere-1 Karsha 12 grams
- Twak,Ela,Patra – 2 Karsha 24 grams
- Yavani- 1 Pala 48 grams
- Dhanyaka – 1 Pala 48 grams
- Ajaaji – 1 Pala 48 grams
- Grandhi – 1 Pala 48 grams
- Pippali – 1 Pala 48 grams
- Maricha – 1 Pala 48 grams
- Shunti – 1 Pala 48 grams
- Dadima – 8 Pala 384 grams
- Sita – 8 Pala 384 grams
Indications:
- To pacify Tridosha
- Dysentery
- Diarrhoea
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Intestinal Infection Ageusia
Contraindication:
Overdose of the medication can cause gastritis, burning sensation in the throat and constipation.
Dosage: 5-10 gram (Based on patients condition)
Time of administration: Madhyabhakta (In between meal)
Q
10. {PLEASE PICK 1 or More as you see fit!} Can you share a brief overview of the doshic or lifestyle or other imbalances that can lead to the following common ailments? What do you see as the path back to balance?
A
- Bloating
- Persistent weight issues
- Skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema
- Hair fall e. Premature graying
- Endocrine issues
- Fatigue
- Hormonal problems in women
- Menstrual problems
- Difficult menopause conditions
- Migraines
Premature Graying:
In Ayurveda, graying of hair is called Palitya. Grey hair is considered to be a natural process according to one’s age. Conventionally, graying of hair is a marker of progressive chronological age. But drastic changes in today’s lifestyle and environmental pollution have led to an increasing trend of premature graying of hair. In Ayurveda premature graying of hair is called “Akalapalitya”. Premature or early graying of hair is quite common these days due to lifestyles including eating habits, and polluted environment. Melanocytes of the hair follicle are responsible for the color of hairs and depletion of melanocytes leads to graying of hair. In Ayurveda aggravation of Pitta and Ushna Guna (also referring to hot/ heat quality) leads to premature graying of hair.
Causes of Palitya/Greying of hair:
- Nutritional (Aharaja): Excessive intake of pungent, sour and salty foods vitiates Pitta dosha. Excessive intake of salt in diet aggravates Pitta dosha which results in premature graying of hairs.
- Lifestyle (Viharaja): Overindulgence in physical exercise (ativyayama), nighttime awakening (raatrijagarana), excessive sunlight exposure (atiatapasevan) may cause the palitya
- Psychological (Mansika): Certain psychological factors like fear,aggressiveness, grief, mental trauma disarranges pitta dosha and results in palitya/premature aging..
- Unknown/Genetic (Adibalapravritta): It has been stated that genetic factors contribute mainly to premature greying of hair.
Treatment modalities:
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Avoid Pitta aggravating foods, lifestyle and psychological factors like usna aharas,excessive intake of hot and sour foods,exposure to over sunlight,having hot temperament etc.
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Madhura (Sweet), tikta (Bitter) & Kashaya (Astringent) rasa diminish the pitta dosha like dadima,amla,yashtimadhu ghritha etc.
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Nasyam Therapy – Where medicated oils are instilled into nostrils.Eg Anutaila.
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Regular use of hair oil like Bringaraja taila, Neelibringadi taila, bringamalakadi tailam etc.
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Q
11. Please paint the picture of an Ayurvedic journey under your care as a doctor? Please touch on low-touch (remote) and high touch (basti, etc.) modalities? When do you believe a panchakarma becomes necessary? How do you recommend patients make the best of remote sessions and gain the maximum benefit before coming in for in-person treatments.
A
In Ayurveda the consultation starts with detailed medical history taking which includes questions regarding present conditions, family history, past medical history, daily diet, profession and working conditions, exercise routines, relationships, and mental health which helps the practitioner to identify the symptoms and the factors which leads to imbalance and determine suitable treatment options.
The initial assessment is based on observation, touch and questions followed by detailed roga-rogi pareeksha which combines disease analysis and individual examination. The diagnosis is made not only based on disease level but also at the patient level which helps to tailor treatment for each patients. Depending upon the severity of the diseases the line of treatment is adopted. The Concept of treatment in Ayurveda is divided into three main aspects on Shodhana (Purification Therapy), Shamana (Pacification Therapy) and Nidana Parivarjana (Avoiding causative factors).Based on the condition of individual proper therapeutic measures are laid in minor ailments medications are used and for diseases of chronic origin panchakarma is adopted. As Ayurveda gives prime importance to mind adopting pranayama, yoga and mindful meditation is also a must in bringing equilibrium of the doshas
Q
12. How has Ayurveda enhanced your life personally?
A
I was detected to have low amniotic fluid levels/oligohydramnios in the second trimester of pregnancy which was a great concern as it could lead to harmful consequences. My obstetrician had no hope in treating me and I felt very depressed.Finally I sought advice from my Professor and he suggested Ayurvedic medications which had significant effects on the foetus and increasing amniotic fluid levels. I had normal vaginal delivery nearing the due date and I’m very thankful to Ayurveda.
