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AYURPATRA Your
monthly health e-newsletter
Vol:
1-Diseases of - Above Shoulder region SERIES
URDHWAJATRUGATA XVIII
– APRIL 2006 |
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This
monthly e-feature “Ayurpatra” is a sincere effort for the welfare of
the mankind through Ayurveda. Our web site (www.ayurplanet.com)
has helped millions of people. Ayurpatra is loaded with lots of
information, events and happenings related to Ayurveda including
featured articles, details of very useful herbs, beauty tips and various
herbal products and health supplements. The aim of this Newsletter is to
serve humanity from health aspect by natural means. FEATURED
ARTICLE – SNORING
(Nidra vikar) - Dr.
Neelam Vashishtha There's
nothing worse than the sound of someone snoring if you're trying to fall
asleep. Or maybe it's you who snores, and people tease you about the
noise you make in your sleep. Snoring
occurs when air does not flow smoothly through the air passages, or when
the soft tissues or muscles in your air passages vibrate. As you fall
into a deep sleep, the muscles in your tongue, throat and roof of your
mouth (soft palate) relax. This muscle relaxation causes your throat
tissues to sag. As you breathe, the sagging tissues narrow your airway
and vibrate or flutter, creating the sound of snoring. The narrower your
airway becomes, the greater the vibration...and the louder your snoring. In
some cases, snoring is a symptom of a more serious disorder called
obstructed sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when part of the airway is
closed off (usually at the back of the throat) while a person is trying
to inhale during sleep, and breathing stops for more than 10 seconds
before resuming again. These breathless episodes can occur as many as
several hundred times a night. People
with OSA almost always snore heavily, because the same narrowing of the
airway that causes snoring can also cause OSA. Snoring may actually
attribute to OSA as well, because the vibration of the throat tissues,
which occurs in snoring, can cause the tissue to swell. CAUSES
OF SNORING
Ayurveda considers snoring as one of the vitiated vata disorder. It's the improper movement of Prana vata during sleep time disturbing the functioning of Udana vata resulting in extra sounds during breathing as Snoring. The
Prana movement obstruction could be due to extra shleshma (phlegm),
Nasarandhra shotha or vakrata (Nasal septum swelling or deviation), Visham
vishram stithiti(wrong sleep posture) etc. The
most common reasons of snoring are: Ø
Seasonal
allergies
can make some people's noses stuffy and cause them to snore. Ø
Blocked
nasal passages or airways
(due to a cold or sinus infection) can cause a rattling snore. Ø
A
deviated septum, which
is the tissue and cartilage that separates the two nostrils in your
nose, may be crooked. Some people with a very deviated septum have
surgery to straighten it out. This also helps them breathe better - not
just stop snoring. Ø
Enlarged
or swollen tonsils or adenoids
may cause a person to snore. Tonsils and adenoids (adenoids are glands
located inside of your head, near the inner parts of your nasal
passages) help trap harmful bacteria, but they can become very big
and swollen all of the time. Many kids who snore have this problem. Ø
Drinking
alcohol
can relax the tongue and throat muscles too much, which partially blocks
air movement as someone is breathing and can contribute to snoring
noises. Ø
Being
overweight
can cause narrowing of the air passages. Many people who are overweight
snore. Ø
Age
can
be a factor. The older you get, the weaker your throat muscles become.
Weak throat muscles cause the surrounding tissues to sag and vibrate. Ø
When
you sleep on your back,
your tongue falls backwards into your throat, which can narrow your
airway and partly block airflow. SYMPTOMS
OF SNORING: Ø
People
who snore make a vibrating, rattling, noisy sound while breathing during
sleep. It may be a symptom of sleep apnea. Consult your doctor if you
snore and have any of the following symptoms or signs: Ø
Excessive
daytime sleepiness Ø
Morning
headaches Ø
Recent
weight gain Ø
Awakening
in the morning not feeling rested Ø
Awaking
at night feeling confused Ø
Change
in your level of attention, concentration, or memory Ø
Observed
pauses in breathing during sleep MANAGEMENT: 1.NASYA
KARMA-Medications to relieve congestion of the nose may be helpful
in reducing snoring and the likelihood of sleep apnea episodes. Usually
treatment of sleep apnea solely by improving nasal airflow does not
solve loud snoring or significant breathing episodes. This can be
effectively achieved by nasal administration of certain herbs.this is
called as NASYA KARMA in Ayurveda.The preparations used for this purpose
are shadbindu taila,anu taila etc. 2.KARNA
PURANA-This is a process where the entire ear is filled with some
oil prepared out of some herbs which help in clearing the channels and
thus relieves the congestion.as the obstruction is relieved the patient
feels much lightness and sleeps sound.The preparations used for this
purpose can be karanja taila,apamarga kshara taila,bilva taila etc. 3.SHIRO
DHARA-Very efficient treatment for relieving the stress and
strain.It soothes the nerves and thus ensures the sound and deep sleep
to the patient.The preparations used for this purpose can be ksherera
bala taila,panchguna taila etc. 4.SHIRO
ABHYANGA-It has almost similar results as that of the shiro
dhara.but it particularly exerts its result on the scalp and the
superficial nerves.It strengthens the nervous system and ensures deep
sleep to the patient. 5.
PRANAYAM-In yogic terms prana means the vital energy and ayam
means exercise. Pranayam defines the regulation of the in and out flow
of this vital energy. It explains that the body, breath and the mind are
intricately interwoven. When the air moves the mind moves and when the
air is stilled the mind also could be stilled. Hence the various
techniques employed in Pranayam are to stabilize the flow of air thus to
achieve the balanced state of mind.Thus it very much help in clearing
the channels of the body and help to relieve the snoring. 6.YOGIC
EXERCISES-Yoga
is a physical and mental practice that involves the body,mind and
spirit. Yoga's gentle, mindful and controlled movements can provide a
non- or low-impact workout for people in almost any physical condition.
Yogic exercises -- and there are many -- can ease tense muscles, improve
flexibility and enhance strength, balance and endurance. HERBS: The
preparations made with the following herbs have proved to be very
efficient in many cases of snoring-Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarmum),
Pippali (Piper longum),Kasamarda (Cassia occidentalis),Brahti (Solanum
indicum),Karkatshringi (Pistacia integerrima) ,Agastya (Sesbania
grandiflora) etc. Herbal
formulations -
Agastye haritaki rasayana 1 teaspoon once,Tablet Kapha ketu ras 2
morning 2 evening,Vyoshadi vati 1 morning and 1 evening. Make
a 'Sleep well Tea' to be taken just before sleeping -with Tulsi(Basil
leaves),Brahmi(Gotukola),Tagar(Valerian) and a bit green tea leaves. PRECAUTIONARY
MEASURES TO AVOID SNORING: Ø
Loose
weight and improve your eating habits. Ø
Try
to avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills and antihistamines before you go
to bed. Ø
Avoid
alcohol, heavy meals, or snacks at least four hours before you sleep. Ø
Establish
regular sleeping patterns. For example, try to go to bed at the same
time every night. Ø
Sleep
on your side rather than on your back. Ø
Tilt
the head of your bed up four inches. Ø
Decongestants.
Snoring caused by nasal congestion may be successfully treated with
decongestants. Some effective herbal remedies that clear the nasal
passages include Pippali (Piper longum) and Kanthkari (Solanum
xanthocarpum) Steam inhalation of essential oils of tailaparni (Eucalyptus
globulus) or putia (Mentha piperata) can also relieve
congestion. HERB
OF THE MONTH:
SHANKHPUSHPI Shankhapushpi
or Convolvulus pluricaulis is an indigenous plant commonly mentioned in
Ayurveda, an ancient system of Indian medicine, as a rasayana which is
mainly advocated for use in mental stimulation and rejuvenation therapy CHEMICAL
CONSTITUENTS: It
contains Glycosides, Coumarins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids (Shankha pushpine
is believed to be the principle active ingredient) ACTIONS: Rasa:Tikta
(Bitter) Guna:Pichchilla
(Slimmy),Snigdha (Unctous) Vipaka;Madhura
(Sweet) Ø
Shankhapushpi
is used as a brain tonic. It is a sovereign remedy in bowel complaints
especially dysentery. The plant is reported to be a prominent
memory-improving drug. It is used as a psychostimulant and tranquilizer.
It is reported to reduce mental tension. The ethanolic extract of the
plant reduces total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and
nonesterfied fatty acid. Ø
There
is a pertinent reference in Ayurvedic literature about the use of the
drug as brain tonic in hypotensive syndromes. Ø
Clinical
studies have exhibited demonstrable beneficial effects in the patients
of anxiety neurosis. The herb induces a feeling of calm and peace, good
sleep and a relief in anxiety, stresses, and mental fatigue, producing a
significant reduction in the level of anxiety, neuroticism arising due
to various levels of stresses. Ø
The
herb appears to produce its action by modulation of neuro-chemistry of
the brain. Further, the herb is non-toxic and its use does not produce
any side effects. On the other hand, there is invigorating effect in
improvement of health and weight gain. MEDICINAL
USES- »
In
Insanity - Fresh expressed juice of Shankhpushpi is given in a dosage
2-4 tola. BEAUTY
TIP OF THE MONTH:
To prevent skin tanning Ø
Lemon
juice mixed with honey can be used as natural anti tanning agent.2 tsf
of lemon juice mixed with 1 tsf of honey is rubbed gently on skin for
about 5-7 min and then washed off with water. Ø
Mix
1 tsf of olive oil and 2 tsf of cucumber juice.Rub gently for about 5-7
min and then wash off with luke warm water. For
personalized beauty related queries mail to: beauty@ayurplanet.com
FORTHCOMING
EVENTS:
I.
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– APRIL 09-10,2006 Venue:OLYMPIA
EXHIBITION CENTRE, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM For
details: Customer service: +44-1903-817300 II.
PHARMACOVIGILANCE OF HERBAL MEDICINES:
Current state and future directions Dates
– APRIL 26-28 Venue
– LONDON, U K E-mail:
science@rpsbg.org. WEB:www.rpsgb.org/science
or NEWS:
Ayurveda
India clinic in UK In
the Light of spreading Ayurveda throughout the world we have started
with another Ayurveda clinic project in Europe this month . This centre
provides the consultation, Ayurveda treatments and Ayurveda education.
Dr.Raghunandan Sharma is in UK for the developments of this endeovour.
He can be reached at ayurplanet@gmail.com AYURVEDA
INDIA An
International Herbal Treatment and Panchakarma Center, Our
European center: AGN
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Netherlands. AYURVEDA
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