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AYURPATRA Your
monthly health e-newsletter
Vol:
1-Diseases of - Above Shoulder region SERIES
URDHWAJATRUGATA XXVI–
NOV 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. FEATURE
HEALTH ARTICLE: EPILEPSY(Apasmar) Referred
to as `Apasmar' in Ayurveda, epilepsy, more popularly known as
the falling disease, is a serious disorder of the central nervous system
that affects both children and adults alike. Afflicting infants and
early teenagers the most, it is categorised into two main types –
Petit Mal & Grand Mal. Depending on the dominance of the three
doshas and their combined effect it can come in four types – a fifth
type, called Yoshapasmar, denotes hysteria which is more
prevalent among women. Causes:Contributing
causes of apasmara are such as those things which create
disturbance or dullness in the mind, unwholesome foods and regimens, and
the restraint of natural urges (e.g. sneezing, etc.). Other
causes:
Symptoms
Types
and Management The
specific treatment is based on the individual case. Epilepsy is
frequently a vata disorder, but may also be caused by pitta or kapha,
or a combination of the three doshas as
mentioned above. For all types, management of the digestion
and elimination is a part of treatment. General guidelines follow below. Vata-type
seizures may be brought on by stress and overwhelm. There may be a
history of constipation, gas, or irregular digestion, and systemic
dryness, as well as irregular eating and sleeping habits and routines.
These individuals will be most supported by developing steady routines
and avoiding sensory over-stimulation (e.g. excess of television). They
will benefit from a nourishing diet and oil therapies such as abhyanga
(Ayurvedic massage), shirodhara
(warm oil stream poured continuously to the head), and nasya
(medicated oil taken through the nostrils) as mentioned below in
management. Rest is important, and herbs with nervine tonic properties
are helpful, including ashwagandha, vacha, and the Ayurvedic
formulas, saraswat churna ,Tagar(Valerian). In
Pitta-type
seizures there may be inflammation of the nerve tissue, and therefore
may be worsened or brought on by exposure to excess heat, sunlight,
exercise or mental intensity. These factors should be avoided and
heat-relieving therapies may be helpful. These include purgation with
castor oil or triphala, alterative and cholegogue herbs to cool
the blood and liver, and cooling nervine herbs such as shankha
pushpi or brahmi, taken internally or as a nasya
(medicated oil taken through the nostrils). Kapha-type
epilepsy is caused by blocked channels in the head. The classical texts
even refer to the "channel of consciousness" being blocked. A
cold, oily, heavy, clogging diet and sedentary lifestyle will contribute
to this, and there may be excessive salivation in this type.
Additionally, children, being in the kapha (building) stage of
life may be more susceptible to this type of seizure. It may be
necessary to avoid heavy clogging foods and eating late at night. Herbs
to help clear the channels include holy basil, vacha, and the
Ayurvedic formulas, saraswati churna , Vacha powder,
which has anti-convulsive properties, can also be snuffed in small
amounts directly into the nostrils. Ø
Ayurvedic
Supplements:Brahmi vati (with pearl and gold)
,Sarswat
Churna,Brahmi Ghrita
Ø
Diet:Avoid
pungent, fried & greasy food, sugar & sweets, strong tea &
coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments & pickles.
Ø
Lifestyle
Should
follow a daily routine (dinacharya)
Ø
Relaxation,
meditation, and specific yoga postures are also part of Ayurvedic
treatment for epilepsy. Once the symptoms of epilepsy have been
stabilized, yoga can help to revitalize the body and mind, encouraging
blood flow to the brain, rejuvenating and stimulating the brain
function.Yoga also balances the endocrine system and soothes the nervous
system, helping you to focus within yourself and bringing a sense of
bodily strength and feelings of balance. Ø
Panchakarma
detoxifying treatments are also considered appropriate for people with
epilepsy. “Because the bowel is responsible for vata”,
“Virechan
(laxatives) and Bastis(enema)
may be used to reduce abdominal pressure and cleanse the
gastro-intestinal system and overcome aggravated vata”. A
special herbal treatment called Shirodhara
may be prescribed. This involves lying still for about an hour
while warm herbal oils are slowly dripped on to your forehead and then
massaged into your scalp. This may be followed by a Abhyanga
(general herbal oil massage) to the rest of your body. You
may consult our Ayurveda experts through on
line consultation or
personally. HERB
OF THE MONTH: TAGAR(Valerian) Indian
Valerian is a perennial plant indigenous to India, and is characterized
by its irregularly shaped root. The drug derived from the dried rhizome
and rootlets is called Tagar. Tagar is very similar in composition to
Valerian, but contains a slightly larger amount of volatile oil. It has
stimulant, depressant, sedative, neuroleptic and antispasmodic
properties. Uses
& Scientific Evidence The
major constituents of valerian root include sesquterpenoids,
valepotriates, bornyl acetate and valerenic acid. Multiple
compounds in valerian root have pharmacologic activity. Valerenic
acid has been shown to inhibit enzyme-induced breakdown and the
inhibition of reuptake of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric
acid (GABA) in the brain.The
studies to look at the effects of valerian on sleep in healthy older
adults and in people with Parkinson's disease are undergoing. BEAUTY
TIPS: WARTS
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