Category: Ayurveda & healing medicines

Prana (your breath) and your mind are intricately linked. If you control your prana you will control your mind and you can handle everything.

The only condition, and this is true for everything in order to get results, is your involvement in the practice.
The more you listen to your ego, the less impact it will have on your mental and physical health.

And the more you know your ego, the more you can act on it to manifest the benefits of these practices on your body and mind. And only then will the transformation take place.

When prana (breath) moves, chitta (the mental force) moves.

When prana is without movement, chitta is without movement.

By this (regularity of prana), the practitioner achieves stability through the exercises mainly by the retention of the breath.

Prana and mind: the keys to work

Fluctuation of one, prana or mind, means fluctuation of the other. When either the mind or prana becomes balanced the other is steadied.

Hatha yoga says: control the prana and the mind is automatically controlled. While Raja yoga, which helps to achieve inner peace, meditation or dhyan, and stress relief, says: control the mind and the prana becomes controlled. These are two different paths of yoga but both are equally effective.

The mind is equated with a wild monkey, jumping here and there. Because of this inborn tendency it is very difficult to hold it still. Without consciousness of it and methods to relief these often erratic waves.

Mind control with the yoga path

Hatha yoga focuses on the well-being of the physical body and includes all the asanas. Asanas improve flexibility and posture, immunity, improves physical strength and body -mind counsciousness.

Hatha says let the mind be, concentrate on the autonomic body functions and vital energy, and the mind will become quiet by itself. When the nervous impulses are steady and rhythmic, the brain functions are regulated and the brain waves become rhythmic.

Without discipline and self involvment you can’t have any grip on it.

Disturbed Breath lead to internal disfunctions

The breathing process is directly connected to the brain and central nervous system. It is one of the most vital processes in the body system.

Breathing is not only an autonomic functional system, it is the only function of the autonomic nervous system over which we have control. It is also the only doorway to access to our patterns and traumas to modify and heal them. An incredible tool to IMMEDIATELY deactivate the monkey mind and access the emotions that fuel mental chatter, limiting beliefs and self-sabotage.

So now you undertsand why breathing properly is important to fight and heal from stress, anxiety and traumas.

How is it possible not to pay attention to our breathing? It is simple because breathing is automatic.

Breathing process also has some connection with the hypothalamus. It works directly on your autonomic system to seamlessly manage such functions as your heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. It also works by releasing hormones that direct other hormones or other glands to manage other bodily functions like sleep, mood, emotional responses, muscle and bone growth and sexual drive.

The hypothalamus is responsible for transforming perception into cognitive experience. Erratic breathing sends erratic impulses to this center and thus creates disturbed responses.

There are also certain areas of the nasal mucous membrane which are connected to the visceral organs. When impulses coming from the nose are arrhythmic, the visceral organs, particularly those connected to the coccygeal plexus, respond in the same manner, arrhythmically. The coccygeal plexus is a nerve plexus near the coccyx bone.

So you understand that by being disturbed, these organs again send irregular impulses to the brain and cause more disharmony and imbalance. This cycle is continuous.

Awareness: the first step to change your mind

By becoming aware of the nature of the breath and by restraining it, the whole system becomes controlled.

When you retain the breath you are stopping nervous impulses in different parts of the body and harmonizing the brain wave patterns. In pranayama, it is the duration of breath retention which has to be increased. The longer the breath is held, the greater the gap between nervous impulses and their responses in the brain. When retention is held for a prolonged period, mental agitation is curtailed.

it exists more than 200 Pranayama to heal or regulate specific conditions. It is usually considered to be the practice of controlled inhalation and exhalation combined with retention.

However, technically speaking, it is only retention and inhalation/exhalation are methods of inducing retention.

Retention is most important because it is a longer period prana’s assimilation, and allows more time for the exchange of gases in the cells i.e. oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Patanjali (author of two great Hindu classics: the first, the Yoga-sutras, a categorization of yogic thought organized in four volumes with the titles “Psychic Power”, “Yoga Practice”, “Samadhi” (state of deep contemplation of the Absolute) and “Kaivalya” (separation); and the second, the Mahabhashya (“Great Commentary”) further says that retention of breath after expiration removes the obstacles to yoga.

Yoga is the union of the two poles of energy within us and during retention the poles come closest together. Breath retention must be developed in order to stop the fluctuations of the brain and mind so that a more expansive type of experience can develop.

Yoga is transformative

When you go further into yoga, there comes a time when you have some control of the mind so you can dive deeper within yourself.

When you practice mantra or meditation, the fluctuating mental waves create a barrier between you and the object you are trying to focus your awareness on.

So how to control the mind?

For many, many centuries, people have known that through pranic restraint you can control the influxes of the mind and through mental restraint you can control the influxes of prana, but various spiritual systems have been debating which is the best method to harness the two energies and induce unity.

Christ and Buddha said the same thing : “Lead a good life and your mind will be controlled.” Of course what they said is true, but people today are exposed to so many disturbing external factors that this approach does not work.

There are many good, charitable, pure-minded and compassionate people, but if you ask them to sit quietly, still the mind and meditate, they can’t do it.

Yama and niyama can help but difficult for modern day and support man. These disciplines has to be integrate in addition but not enough to be a very powerful method for developing mind control.

The body is designed for physiological healing

However, sciences and researches have demonstrated (see studies below) that through pranayama, mudras, bandhas and postures regulate the prana and the mind can be brought under control.

Many spiritual traditions, including Sufism, Buddhism and Hinduism, has already, long time ago, discovered that by focusing on the breath, you still the mind, develop one-pointedness and gain entry into the deeper realms of the mind and consciousness.

It exists a large pranayama’s and yogic practices to heal different pathologies or to follow a spiritual path to open skills.

Breathing gives us the ability to control our mental emotional state, it is a door to the subconscious mind to modify and heal patterns.

Aware of your conditions now?

And conscious that your health is your priority?

Without it you are mentally, psychologically and professionally reduced.

Do you want to learn? Get a free call with me to grow? Click here

References

Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Pranayama (Yogic Breathing): A Systematic Review

Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life

Effects of various Praṇayama on cardiovascular and autonomic variables. 

Sudarshan Kriya Yogic breathing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression. Part II–clinical applications and guidelines

Effect of Sheetali pranayama on cardiac autonomic function among patients with primary hypertension – A randomized controlled trial

Immediate effect of Kapalbhathi pranayama on short term heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy volunteers

Yoga breathing, meditation, and longevity

Effect of pranayama breathing technique on asthma control, pulmonary function, and quality of life: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial

Effects of Yoga Respiratory Practice ( Bhastrika pranayama) on Anxiety, Affect, and Brain Functional Connectivity and Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Do you want to improve your brain functions and abilities?

Read this.

Nowadays, yoga acts as an alternative therapy or medicine for improving brain function. Several scientists have applied yogic practices to reduce brain disorders, nerve diseases and cognitive impairment. 

The yogic intervention increases the potency of the alpha, beta and delta bands in the frontal, central, parietal, occipital and temporal lobes, while it increases the potency of theta band only in the occipital lobe and the potency of the gamma band in the frontal lobes and slightly in the temporal lobes.

Ok, that’s all well and good, but what does it mean concretely?

Structure of your brain

The frontal lobe

Basically, the frontal lobe functions with reasoning, planning, problem solving and cognition.

The parietal lobe 

It is associated with visual perception, recognition, information processing and spatial reasoning.

The temporal lobe and occipital lobe

It is related to memory and the processing of verbal and auditory signals. And the occipital lobe with the processing and recognition of visual space. 

After yoga practices, scientists found a 19.31% increase in delta, a 5.04% increase in theta, a 15.40% increase in alpha, and an 18.68% increase in gamma wave coherence, while beta wave decreases by 1.67%

Asana, pranayama and meditation practices activate alpha, beta and theta waves which influence perception, memory and mood. Delta wave coherence is associated with higher states of consciousness, and increased alpha wave coherence influences wakefulness and alertness. 

What are these brain waves frequencies?

Delta (0.1 to 3.5 Hz)

The lowest frequencies are delta. These are less than 4 Hz and occur in deep sleep and in some abnormal processes. It is the dominant rhythm in infants up to one year of age and it is present in stages 3 and 4 of sleep.

It tends to be the highest in amplitude and the slowest waves.

We increase Delta waves in order to decrease our awareness of the physical world. We also access information in our unconscious mind through Delta. Most individuals diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, naturally increase rather than decrease Delta activity when trying to focus.

The inappropriate Delta response often severely restricts the ability to focus and maintain attention. It is as if the brain is locked into a perpetual drowsy state.

Theta (4-8 Hz)

The next brainwave is theta. Theta activity has a frequency of 3.5 to 7.5 Hz and is classed as “slow” activity. It is seen in connection with creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a repository for memories, emotions, sensations. Theta waves are strong during internal focus, meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness. It reflects the state between wakefulness and sleep and relates to the subconscious mind.

Theta is believed to reflect activity from the limbic system and hippocampal regions.

Theta is observed in anxiety, behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition. When the theta rhythm appears to function normally it mediates and/or promotes adaptive, complex behaviors such as learning and memory. Under unusual emotional circumstances, such as stress or disease states, there may be an imbalance of three major transmitter systems, which results in aberrant behavior.

Alpha (8-12 Hz)

Alpha waves are those between 8 and 12(Hz). Good healthy alpha production promotes mental resourcefulness, aids in the ability to mentally coordinate, enhances overall sense of relaxation and fatigue. In this state you can move quickly and efficiently to accomplish whatever task is at hand.

When Alpha predominates most people feel at ease and calm.

Alpha appears to bridge the conscious to the subconscious. It is the major rhythm seen in normal relaxed adults and present during most of life especially beyond the thirteenth year when it dominates the resting tracing. Alpha rhythms are reported to be derived from the white matter of the brain.

The white matter can be considered the part of the brain that connects all parts with each other. Alpha is a common state for the brain and occurs whenever a person is alert (it is a marker for alertness and sleep), but not actively processing information.

Alpha has been linked to extroversion (introverts show less), creativity (creative subjects show alpha when listening and coming to a solution for creative problems), and mental work.

When your alpha is within normal ranges, we tend to also experience good moods, see the world truthfully, and have a sense of calmness.

Alpha is one of the brain’s most important frequency to learn and use information taught in the classroom and on the job.

Alpha-Theta training can create an increase in sensation, abstract thinking and self-control. Alpha allows us to shift easily from one task to another.

Effects of Training: can produce relaxation, inner-awareness of self, mind/body integration, balance, centering, healing, mind/body connection

Beta (above 12 Hz)

Beta activity is ‘fast’ activity. It has a frequency of 14 and greater Hz. Beta activity reflects desynchronized active brain tissue. This wave usually seen on both sides in symmetrical distribution and is most evident frontally.

It is generally regarded as a normal rhythm and is the dominant rhythm in those who are alert or anxious or who have their eyes open.
It is the state that most of brain is in when we have our eyes open and are listening and thinking during analytical problem solving, judgment, decision making, processing information about the world around us.

Also, Beta would represent overdrive or hyperdrive in our car scenario.
The beta band has a relatively large range, and has been divided into low, midrange and high.

Effects of Training: produce relaxed focus, improved attentive abilities, mental ability, focus, alertness.

Gamma (above 30 Hz)

The subjective feeling states is thinking and the integratation of thoughts with high-level information processing, and associated with information-rich task processing.

Gamma is measured between 30 and 44 (Hz) and is the only frequency group found in every part of the brain. When the brain needs to simultaneously process information from different areas. A good memory is associated with well-regulated and efficient 40Hz activity, whereas a 40Hz deficiency creates learning disabilities.

So how yoga and its practices improve your brain anf life?

Yoga improve brain and body functions : how and which technics?

Yoga is also an important method to stimulate theta activity associated with anxiety and memory.

Kriya based yoga practice showed a 40% increase in alpha and theta waves primarily in the parietal region.

The practice of Asana meditation increases alpha and theta brainwave activities which reduce anxiety.

Meditation also increases frontal alpha coherence, which reflects improved frontal lobe integration that improves cognitive flexibility, intelligence, and emotional stability.

Regularly practiced yoga thus increases overall brain wave activity, which decreases anxiety and increases the ability to concentrate. 

Likewise, yogic practices greatly increase alpha activity which improves relaxation, better perception and calmness and relaxation of the mind.. Asana and pranayama considerably increase the activity of alpha waves during yoga sessions. 

The beta wave increases cognitive skills after a yoga session and reduced emotional exhaustion, state of anxiety and fatigue and linked to increased sensory awareness.

Yoga increases gray matter volumes in the temporal and frontal lobes and the increase in the amygdala function, which produces positive effects on mental health and improves overall cognitive functions, an improvement in tasks associated with selective attention, concentration, visual processing ability and improved sensory motor activity. It proportionally contributes to memory. 

Which acts as an alternative therapy to reduce neurological disorders, and an increase in positive mood and perception.

It improves autonomic flexibility by modulating the parasympathetic system. Parasympathetic responses include an increase of digestive enzymes, decreased heart rate, constriction of bronchial tubes in lungs, and more relaxed muscles…

The practices of agnisara, nauli and bhastrika, alters the pattern of the electroencephalogram around the somatosensory and parietal areas of the cortex cerebral.

Meditation Alters Brainwave Activity

The frequency of brainwave activity is altered depending on the state of consciousness and state of mind during meditation. 

Yoga nidra

The practice of yoga nidra is the intermediate stage of wakefulness and sleep, and this stage of the brain produces alpha waves. 

During the yoga nidra session, beta activity is slowly replaced by alpha activity.

This has a positive effect on cognitive and affective processes. Researchers observed increases in slow alpha in intermediate meditators, while advanced yoga meditators showed the emergence of rhythmic theta waves.

Yoga nidra produces alpha dominance in the brain and is characterized by mental relaxation, improved frontal integration, cognitive flexibility, intelligence, and emotional stability.

Meditation

The practice of yoga meditation increases alpha activity.

Scientists have examined that the practice of yoga meditation increases the alpha and beta values ​​of approximately 90% of practitioners, reflecting a state of extreme relaxation that increases alertness to the outside world.

The practice of Nadabrahma meditation greatly increases the alpha wave, which reduces stress and anxiety associated with centering and healing with a mind-body connection. While the beta wave physiologically correlates alertness and activity and aids in general activation of mind and body functions.

Kriyas

Sudarshan kriya also increases the alpha band. The practice of meditation increases alpha and theta waves, relieves stress while increasing memory and concentration, external sensory and motor processing performance, arousal, cognitive flexibility, and mind-body coordination. 

Scientists have also examined that 10 years of advanced vipassana meditation practice significantly increases gamma power in the parieto-occipital electrodes. Basically, the practice of meditation activates the cingulate gyrus, the thalamus, and the orbital and inferior frontal cortices.

The practice of voluntary meditation increases cognitive performance, while the practice of vipassana meditation increases the concentration of gray matter in the brain.

The practice of Rajyoga meditation reduces neural network activity related to attention, orientation, memory and emotions.

Researchers have reported that meditation improves various cognitive functions, including attention, memory, fluency, executive function, processing speed, and creativity, which positively affects brain function.

Long-term meditation significantly improves information processing speed, while practicing OM meditation also improves mental alertness.

Pranayama alters brain wave coherence

Pranayama techniques increase both alpha and beta activity at the very beginning of practice, which increases awareness and relaxation at the same time. In everyday life, beta activity decreases and alpha activity increases when the person is conscious and awake from daily activities, and this pattern reverses when the person relaxes and falls asleep.

Pranayama practice increases theta power which is associated with decreased activity in the brain’s arousal system and the process of falling asleep. Such a practice improves the state of relaxation with a reduced level of anxiety. 

During such practice, the brain has been found to remain deeply focused with a higher level of mental awareness. 

Yoga alternate nostril breathing also increases spatial memory scores.

Two months of Sheetali and Sheetkari pranayama are beneficial for body and mind. This indicates that the brain is calm and quiet in a relaxed state with less anxiety. Pranayama practice produces an alpha dominance in the electrical pattern of the brain, which is primarily associated with mental relaxation.

The practice of Nadi sodhan pranayama also increases the power of the alpha and beta band with an increase in the activity of the alpha powers, improving relaxation and cognition, thus leading to a healthy and stress-free life. It increases alertness, wakefulness and excitement, concentration, visual acuity and normal waking state of mind.

Scientists have found that pranayama helps improve the balances between the right and left hemispheres which attribute to circulating neuropsychological functions.

Regular pranayama practice therefore increases cognitive performance, brings relaxation and improves spatial memory performance.

Respiratory regulation improves performance in spatial memory, visual memory, and verbal memory. The processing of sensory information at the thalamic level is facilitated when practicing pranayama.

Yoga improves cognitive function

Yogic intervention increases cognitive performance and better perceived cognition. One study found that practicing hatha yoga for 6 weeks improves working memory and attention shift ability in healthy older adults.

It increases positive mood, short term memory and decreases pain perception, improves various cognitive functions: improved performance, neural activity, active attention and executive functions.

Yogic practices and real facts

Yoga, pranayama, asanas, and meditation improve verbal skills, reaction time, hand-eye coordination, speed, accuracy, and neural performance, develops memory, perception and attention span and activates dormant areas of the brain, while replacing useless memories with useful ones.  

Likewise, asanas, kriyas, mudras, bandhas and the practice of meditation develop consciousness, intellectual efficiency and somatic functions.

The practice of yoga meditation improves the state of consciousness, mental activity and the feeling of well-being and responsiveness. Therefore, yoga improves cognition and overall brain functions.

All studies, directly or indirectly, have shown that yoga is beneficial on brain wave activity. In the human body, the brain is the supreme coordinator that regulates all kinds of movements and functions. 

Activation of the theta wave reduces anxiety, improves short-term memory and influences the process of memory construction and reduces nervousness.

The theta wave also provides heightened intuition, healing of the body and reprogramming of the subconscious mind.

While the increase in beta band power indicates a higher level of alertness and improved engagement task and improvement in various cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, concentration and reaction time.

The increase in alpha and delta power indicates synchronization of brain activity with greater alertness.

Additionally, improved alpha power indicates greater mental silence, tasks requiring memory and imagination, while a high frequency of alpha is primarily associated with centering , healing and improving the mind/body connection.

Alpha and theta can be interpreted as signifiers of heightened attention. It specifically representing internalized attention as well as indexing states of relaxation. Delta wave is basically associated with the deepest state of consciousness, while enhanced gamma power indicates a higher level of consciousness and awareness, where our mind and body reach a new emerging energy.

Conclusion

These studies demonstrate the beneficial roles of yoga in improving brain wave activity, better cognition, improved neuropsychological function, and overall brain function. 

Yoga is positively correlated with overall brain network resilience and efficiency. 

These results reveal the possibility of increasing mental resilience, slowing the functional decline of the brain proving that yoga plays an undeniable role in improving brain and physical activity.

As you may have read, intentionally changing brainwave levels through stimulation has many benefits.

Successfully tested in university settings on student panels and used in hospitals for therapeutic purposes, brainwave stimulation helps to strengthen memory and the immune system. Just like alternative medicine, it is recommended in cases of insomnia, stress, anxiety…

Even if brain training relieves many nervous pathologies, it should not be forgotten that it is aimed at any individual wishing to develop his or her cerebral capacities.

From the artist to the meditator to the office worker, everyone will find considerable benefits.

Especially when the brain enters into resonance and consciousness in the most powerful information processing place of the brain: our unconscious.

So what are you waiting for to start and finally take care of yourself with natural and proven methods…

Take a look on studies.

To practice with me: book a free session here

References

EEG based interpretation of human brain activity during yoga and meditation using machine learning: A systematic review

A study on improving physiological and psychological personalities of the students by Vethathiri Maharishi’s nine-center meditation using electroencephalography

EEG paroxysmal gamma waves during Bhramari Pranayama: a yoga breathing technique

Effect of Yoga on Cardiovascular Autonomic Reactivity in Essential Hypertensive Patients

EEG signal based classification before and after combined Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya

Fluid intelligence and brain functional organization in aging yoga and meditation practitioners

EEG alpha and theta oscillations reflect cognitive and memory performance: a review and analysis

Herbal smoking or Dhoomapana is one of the daily routine advices by Ayurveda.

Why?

It is sometimes used for preventive and therapeutic purposes especially to treat or to prevent the appearance of diseases located above the shoulders and due to the increase of kapha and Vata.

After Pancha Karma, Dhoomapana help toget rid of any residual doshas from the sinuses. It kindles Agni /digestive fire and improves the appetite and eyesight, makes the mind attentive, and has an affinity to the heart, lungs, brain and sinuses. 

It balances Vata and Kapha Dosha.

On average, you should smoke 3-4 times a day.

Indications that you are practising Dhoomapana wrong are dry cough and chest pain, and overdoing Dhoomapana can cause nose bleeds and mental confusion, So with all things – moderation is best!

When to do it?

After sneezing, yawning, defecation, urination, having sex, surgical operation, laughing, brushing teeth, taking bath, having food, vomiting.

How to do it?

• sit straight, attentive, with mouth open and inhale the smoke through each nostril alternatively. While inhaling from one nostril, close the other.
• should be done thrice (inhale and exhale smoke at the same time).
• Inhale the smoke by nose first if the imbalanced doshas are localized in the nose and head.
• Inhale the smoke by mouth first and second nose if the imbalanced doshas are localized in the throat and head
• Let out only through the mouth; if let out through the nose, it produces loss of vision.
• Smoking should be done thrice, with three times inhaling and three exhaling alternately.

Simple herbal blends recipes for your dosha:

Tridosha recipe:

• Take Guggulu, pound it well.
• Add neem, turmeric, saffron and black gram.
• Make it into the form of a wick.
• Add ghee for lubrication.

If you burn this wick, it should easily catch fire and yield smoke.

If guggulu is not available, you can simply make the combination using the other herbs like cited below, as per availability, put on a hot pan and inhale the smoke.

You can also use any of the following common available herbs / combination of herbs

Guggulu, musta (Cyperus rotundus), vetiver, varanga, saffron, black gram, barley, sesame seed, fat, marrow, muscle- fat and ghee, rose, chamomile, cardamom, cinnamon, thyme.

Building blend for Vata Types: bala, ashwagandha, vidari and licorice and a drop of ghee (pacifies vata increases Kapha).

Pacifying blend for Pitta types: rose, sandalwood, saffron. (pacifies Pitta

Cleansing blend for Kapha Types: Clove, Cinnamon, Cardamon.

For insomnia: add poppy seeds and nutmeg.

To study, add Brahmi: 1-2 drops of Brahmi ghee improves cellular intelligence.

For lungs cleaning and reduce harshness, you can add mullein to your blend, it burns slowly and it is soothing the throat, cleans the lungs, activates lymph circulation in the chest and the neck. It is also diuretic and encourages expectoration

For normal situation

Vata Herbs are: tagara, dashamoola, Tulsi or basil, thyme.

Pitta Herbs are: chamomile, lotus, Rose, sandalwood.

Kapha Herbs are: Manjistha Musta, Saffron, thyme, licorice. 

Signs of proper herbal smoking

• Clarity of mind, clarity in thinking process
• Clarity in throat, abscess of mucus collection in throat
• Clarity in sense organs
• Lightness of head

Benefits of smoke therapy

The combination of herbs will be done according to your needs, disorders and can be done in case of cough, dyspnoea, rhinitis, disorders of voice, bad smell of the nose and mouth, hair loss, discharges, itching, pain in ear and nose, loss of function of the ears, mouth and eyes; headache, migraine, eye pain, toothache, excess drowsiness, strengthens sense organs, excess sleep,…

What precautions should I take:

Inhalation of smoke should not be done if you are suffering from:

• Bleeding disease: nasal bleeding, menorrhagia
• On purgation treatment or enema
• Ascites, intestinal obstruction
• Diabetes, urinary tract disorders
• Blindness
• Flatulence, bloating
• Diphtheria
• Injured in the head,
• Anemia and jaundice
• Those who have kept awake at night.

What you feel if you do it wrong?

Impairment of voice

Presence of Kapha (phlegm) in the throat and heaviness of head

If you smoke herbal in excess,  palate, head and throat will get dried up and become hot. You can feel thirsty; you can feel dizziness and hotness in sense organs.

Also, if you doing Dhumapana at improper time or in excess it can leads to

• bleeding disease,
• blindness,
• deafness,
• excessive thirst
• burning sensation
• fainting
• delusion.

You can see that all these are symptoms of Pitta increase. For this, cold regimen should be taken and cooling herbs as well.

If such troubles occur due to untimely and over smoking, you need to change your intake and have to do it properly.

In case of such symptoms you can use ghee because it will help to relieve burning sensation, and excess of dryness caused due to wrong herbal smoking.

Practice Nasya (nasal drops) with Anu Tailam or sesame oil. It helps to soothe the inflamed nasal mucosa and to strengthen sense organs.

Collyrium and demulcent drinks are prescribed.

If you follow what has been said, there is no reason for unpleasant symptoms.

References

An effective Ayurvedic herbal smoking technique for prevention and treatment

Ascertaining Classical Approaches of Ayurvedic ‘DHUMPAN’

Ah, this sciatica that bothers me… How to relieve or cure sciatica can be a challenge…but not so much for the majority of cases… (depending on your pathology that leads to sciatica). Resolving sciatica requires patience, kindness, and awareness.

One of my students, who practices yoga regularly in her week, came to see me and told me that she had had sciatica for 1 week.

She was very annoyed, we can even say frustrated. She could no longer practice yoga as she likes and considered her sadhana incomplete.

The management of her sciatica

We then discussed about the sessions she practiced to determine the root of her pain. So I asked her:

– What postures did she perform?

– By what means did she arrive at the final postures, ie what type of breath did she use, her speed in the transitions and movements, where did she place her consciousness?

As I know Valérie well, I know that she is mainly Vata.

Vata is her Ayurvedic constitution, so I had some idea to her answers. I know how she likes to practice since she regularly comes to my classes.

Valérie therefore replied that during her personal practice, she did a lot of Ashtanga. A very dynamic and athletic form of yoga. Which, of course, matches his personality being predominantly Vata.

Vata people are dynamic both in body and mind. They like to move quickly, appreciate sustained exercise but go beyond their form of the day. These people are directed more by their mind than by consciousness.

They have great difficulty settling down physically and mentally. They follow the flow as they say. But after a while, the body speaks. He needs rest and a transition to gentler practices: Hatha yoga, meditation, pranayama, Chi gong…

So “my little Valérie” had to calm down her Ashtanga practice. It is neither beneficial for his skeleton, nor beneficial for his mind and in general for his homeostasis.

She specified that she always practiced the same stretching postures for the spine and legs during each of her sessions to work on her flexibility. She remained motionless for a long time in the poses and sometimes relaxing completely without muscle alertness.

Valérie showed me how she practiced: breath, setting up, transition, return and rhythm and which asanas.

How to relieve or cure sciatica: the diagnosis

Her assessment is therefore as follows:

• Predominantly Vata person…with aggravation of vata dosha whose symptom is sciatica. [In Ayurveda these people are more likely to report musculoskeletal disorders and pain than Pitta or Kapha people.]
• She practiced Ashtanga 4 times a week in addition to the class she takes with me during the week.
• Practice a lot of spine stretching postures and stay in the pose for a long time.
• Ujjai breathing is not regular on his practice
• Does not include pranayama in his session to calm his mind and relieve his nervous system
• She works as a nurse
• She eats prepared meals, skips meals and does not eat at the same time all the time

What is highlighted on this report:

• Intense practice and not enough rest
• Irregular breathing
• Too much stretching of the spine and legs
• Stay in stretching poses for a long time
• Unhealthy and irregular diet
• Chronic stress

All his imbalances may have contributed to this sciatica, having never experienced it before. In view of the assessment, the solutions are obvious…

According to Ayurveda, sciatica is typical of Vata imbalances. So as a Vata constitution, Valérie created an excess of Vata dosha in the body by practicing Ashtanga 4 times a week, without integrating any other gentle practice or rest time to regenerate her body and mind.

Care and Support: how to relieve her sciatica

I therefore explain to him that her practice is not adapted to her constitution and her way of life and that she will have to learn to integrate moments of calm, rest, gentle practices so that his body can have time to reconstitute. Practicing Ahtanga 4 times a week is too demanding given her pace of life, I advise her to integrate more hatha yoga and other gentle practices that she likes…even if it’s complicated for a Vata person who likes to move all the time, both in mind and body. All this to integrate after her sciatica is cured.

I also advise her on her diet, which is currently irregular and unhealthy. While she has intense physical practice and stressful work, her body and her mind are starving and lack regenerating, fresh, home-cooked food. She knows that she is a nurse but sometimes repeating things helps to raise awareness to react.

So I ask him his physical feelings about his sciatica to get an idea of ​​the degree of inflammation of the nerve and if we can practice yoga to try to relieve and reduce it. Valerie felt only a slight trip from the L5 lumbar to the top of the buttock, and a constant tension in the rear thigh area.

The symptoms were not dramatic, without neurological disorders and the movement very little inhibited, so we could start practicing certain yoga postures to improve his condition.

Solutions to relieve sciatica

A yoga adapted to his condition

So I offered him a series of postures to practice 5 times and a series of pranayama at the beginning and at the end of the session.

After having followed this session, she is autonomous to practice this session for at least 3 weeks to a month to improve her sciatica.

This session is built without sequence, without flow, without intense effort, just work on each zone in awareness and without forcing. On each posture, Valérie must bring her awareness to her pain, and exhale her pain.

The session is as follows:

1/ Nadi shodhana without breath retention then with retention to calm the mind and focus on what is coming.

2 / Kapotasana

3/ Salabhasana and variants with lifting of one arm and one leg

4/ Balasana

5/ Upavishati Kapotasana or inverted pigeon

6/ Pawanmuktasana

7 / Holotropic breathing exercise

The objective of the first pranayama is to calm the nervous system and to bring the concentration and awareness necessary for the realization of the postures to derive the best benefits.

End-of-session pranayama is holotropic breathing with active inhalations and passive exhalations, complete and rapid.

The goal of holotropic breathwork is to use accelerated breathing to increase self-awareness and deal with past trauma. It allows access to parts of the psyche that cannot be reached under normal conditions.

I use it in Valérie’s case to relieve her anxiety, chronic stress and tension disorders which are due to her Vata imbalance and her lifestyle in general.

Ayurvedic treatment to relieve her sciatica

I also offered him an Ayurvedic treatment called Kati Vasti which is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment used for back pain and disorders of the lumbosacral region including herniated discs, lumbar spondylosis, sciatica, problems spine, etc. We did this treatment for 3 days to follow.

Conclusion to relieve her sciatica

Valérie held up well to the 3-week challenge, which was not easy for her. She who likes to move around so much but also probably the source of her illness.

After 1 week, the feeling of tightness behind her thigh was gone but she still felt a slight trip from the top of the buttocks to the back of the thigh.

After 3 weeks, his sciatica was completely gone.

She also changed her diet, and prepared her meals the night before to take them to work. Valerie manages to give herself some rest and today she even integrated 2 yoga nidra sessions instead of 2 Ashtanga sessions.

She realized that moments of rest and gentleness were necessary to maintain her health, support her body and her mind. She has more energy, clarity and is more positive as she also does pranayama every day since this episode.

To say that it was only the yoga postures that allowed him to heal…it certainly helped but I think a complete approach must be taken.

The body must be understood as a whole: mental, emotions, the physical aspect, the food that we give to our body and its way of life. The intelligence of the body applies by self-healing, on condition of respecting it.

If you are interested in yoga and pathologies, I can only advise to learn the practice which is suits you, you will find concrete information to adapt your practice with my sessions. In addition to my article, I can only advise you to read Piriformis stretching: an effective exercise against sciatica

References

Measure of Significance of Holotropic Breathwork in the Development of Self-Awareness

An Argument for the use of Holotropic Breathwork as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy

Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Pranayama (Yogic Breathing): A Systematic Review

Health Impacts of Yoga and Pranayama: A State -of-the-Art Review

A clinical study on the effect of ksheera vaitharana vasti in the management of gridrasi wsr to sciatica

Yoga as a treatment for chronic low back pain: A systematic review of the literature

A preliminary clinical evaluation of external snehan and asanas in the patients of sciatica

A clinical comparative study of Matra Vasti and Vaitran Vasti in the treatment of Gridhrasi wsr to Sciatica

Why clean yourself up?

Ayurveda home remedies for detox cleansing is to remove toxins (ama) from the body.

Toxins clog the lymphatic system, weaken immunity and impair organ function, causing fatigue, malaise and anxiety. And you cacth every virus around.

The other purpose is to strengthen digestion (agni). For Ayurveda, all diseases are weak digestion is considered the root of all disease with toxins building up in the first place because of poor food and lifestyle choices.

So to avoid the formation and accumulation of ama, it is necessary to rekindle your digestive fire. This restores homeostasis and proper organs functions.

A Simple Cleanse for the “Day After”

Before getting out of bed, massage your digestive tract. This gently wakes up the digestive organs while massaging your intestines.

Brush your teeth and scrape your tongue (use a spoon if you don’t have a tongue scraper).

Scraping your tongue also massages the energy points in your digestive organs and removes toxins from your mouth.

Then drink a glass of hot water with or without lemon.

Lemon cleanses and is alkalizing. Our bodies are often too acidic, which needs to be corrected to ward off disease. The more alkaline we are, the more we ensure serene days.

Hot water eliminates stagnation, gently cleanses and brightens the body.

Do stretches and yoga that help the body detox by massaging the internal organs and encouraging elimination.

It is also recommended not to eat before having a bowel movement and to be really hungry.

If you don’t feel hungry, you might think about skipping a meal or two to digest the heavy foods you ate the night before.

Do not skip meals but simply swallow a light soup.

And when you’re hungry, prepare a pot of kitchari (easy-to-digest rice and beans) or a simple soup.

Sip hot water or coriander, cumin, fennel tea throughout the day.

Get outside, walk outside as movement and fresh air are essential for detoxification.

Take a warm bath before bed and add Epsom salt if you have them; they will draw toxins through the skin.

The Real Cleansing

A mono-diet of Kitchari provides simple, easily digestible, nourishing foods that support your body for a cleanse.

Kitchari is basically a recipe containing rice and an easily digestible bean.

Ayurveda advises using mung dal, a legume of choice, as it is easy to digest, rich in fiber and slightly astringent (which helps tone the colon).

You can also choose chickpeas or green beans.

Add spices, oil, salt and a vegetable according to taste and your constitution.

Eat three meals of this traditional Ayurvedic dish while cleansing and add plenty of warm fluids to flush the system. Hot water is a simple accompaniment, however you can also incorporate herbal teas according to your doshas.

Massage daily with the oil adapted to your constitution since it improves your blood circulation and thus eliminates toxins.

Cleansing such ayurveda way: sweet and efficient for body

In Ayurveda, everybody is unique, and everyone needs a unique approach to eliminating toxins and strengthening digestion.

What causes toxicity in Vata types is different from what causes toxicity in Pitta or Kapha types, so the origin of toxicity must be considered when designing a cleanse.

Returning to a balanced and healthy digestive fire is also distinct because each body type has unique challenges in digesting, absorbing and assimilating food.

Your practitioner will consider these factors when deciding how to guide you through the cleanse. If you already know your doshas , ​​you can use some of the basic guidelines below. This will assure you of maximum benefit for the time, energy and discipline you put into this endeavor while minimizing the dangers of cleaning.

Vata Cleansing

Vata types need nourishment.

Austerity and fasting are not healthy for Vata individuals and often create more toxins than they release as they are far too exhausting for them.

Instead, Vata needs foods that are nutritious and easy to digest. Vata types need to get enough rest during their cleanse, as they already tend to be deficient.

Vata people should make sure to go to bed before 10:00 p.m. and feel free to take an afternoon nap if needed. Rest helps Vata overactive people to recharge. Vata should soothe the nervous system by slowing down and spending time at home and indulge in comfort and self-education, like a new goal!

After a hot bath, you can take haritaki before bed to promote healthy bowel movements. The goal is to keep the elimination channels (faeces, urine, sweat and breath) healthy during cleansing, as toxins are pulled out of the tissues to be excreted.

Another possible treatment is the homemade enema with a bag of water and a probe to clean the colon. This procedure should be done regularly in vata individuals since the colon is the main site of toxin accumulation.

Kitchari for vata: mung dal, coconut and coriander

Servings: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 60 minutes

In: summer, spring

Cleanser, aids healing

Ingredients

•  1 cup Basmati rice: Vata and Pitta soothing Kapha aggravating
• 1/3 cup cilantro: Vata and Pitta soothing Kapha soothing
•  1/3 cup coconut flakes: Vata and Pitta soothing Kapha aggravating
•   2 tablespoons ghee: Vata and Pitta pacifying Kapha aggravating
•  2 cm ginger (fresh): Vata and Pitta soothing Kapha soothing
• 1/2 cup mung bean or mung dal: Vata, aggravating Pitta and pacifying
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (mineral salt): Vata pacifying Pitta and Kapha aggravating
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric: Vata and Kapha soothing Pitta aggravating  6 cups water: Vata and Pitta soothing Kapha aggravating

How to prepare this healthy recipe

Wash mung dal and rice separately. Soak the mung dal for a few hours if you have time, then strain it. Put the ginger, coconut, cilantro and 1/2 cup water in a food processor and blend until liquefied. Heat the ghee over medium heat in a large saucepan and add the mixture, turmeric and salt.

Stir well and bring to a boil to release the flavor. Then add the rice, mung dal and the six cups of water. Bring back to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for five minutes.

Then cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Lower the heat to simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes, until the dal and rice are tender.

Much like a comforting bowl of grandma’s chicken soup, kitchari will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. This Kitchari Pacifies Pitta and contains the best Ayurveda foods to reduce inflammation.

It cools and soothes internally so you feel refreshed and comfortable after eating. Although tridoshic, this kitchari is particularly suited to Pitta types who tend to feel overheated, irritable, or stressed.

Cilantro and coconut are cooling foods that remedy a Pitta. A combination of sweet and subtle flavors, this meal helps calm an inflamed digestive tract. Hearty but light, it satisfies your hunger but remains easy to digest.

Kitchari is a staple in the Ayurvedic diet and is considered the cleansing meal. However, it can be enjoyed anytime to give your stomach a much-needed break after eating complicated foods or eating on the go. Kitchari is the perfect meal to use when recovering from illness, when you just want to reset, or when you want to do an Ayurvedic cleanse.

Ayurvedic medicinal qualities

Taste: astringent

Doshas: pacifies vata, soothes pitta and kapha

Effects: sattvic, ojas, prana, tejas, alkalizing

• Bone and joint: anti-arthritic
• Digestion: digestive, carminative, antacid
• Cleanses burns toxins
• Energy: boosts energy , nutritive
• Heart and circulation: vasodilator, blood tonic, alterative, refrigerant
• Immune system: anti-inflammatory
• Liver and gallbladder: cholagogue
• Lung and sinuses: flush sinuses
• Weight loss: hypolipidemic
• Bowel elimination

Pitta cleansing

Pitta individuals have a strong digestion and a high metabolism. They may need to eat larger amounts of food to feel full.

Pitta Kapha people can also do a juice fast during the warmer months. Enjoy fresh green juices at mealtime to refresh, cleanse the liver, and sip CCF tea throughout the day as needed.

Practice yoga including twists and emphasizing the breath (especially the exhale) to cool, calm the body and remove heat and detoxify the liver.

Sleeping at 10:00 p.m. is highly recommended. Before going to bed, a mild purgative like triphala or bhumyamalaki will cleanse the colon and support the liver.

Pitta needs to purge unlike Vata which needs an enema to cleanse itself. This part is optional, but if you want to finalize your cleansing, drink a cup of ginger tea with licorice and a tablespoon of castor oil. Do this before you go to bed on the last night of your cleanse and wake up naturally without an alarm clock because you’ll want to stay close to your bathroom.

Kitchari for Pitta

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon cumin seed, whole
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• mixture of 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1/4 tsp coriander powder, 1/4 tsp fennel powder and a pinch of cardamom.
• 2 tablespoons finely minced ginger
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 6 cups water
• 1 cup mung dal
• 3/4 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow squash
• 5 asparagus stalks, chopped
• 1 large celery stick, thinly sliced
• ​​1 large kale, stemmed and thinly sliced
• ​​1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Shredded coconut, for garnish
• Ghee, for individual servings

Ayurvedic medicinal qualities

• Reduces overall Pitta in the body and mind
• Easy to digest
• Strengthens and balances Agni (digestive fire)
• Cools and cleans liver and blood
• Reduces inflammation
• Beneficial in most Pitta disorders such as skin disorders, acne, hives, rashes, inflammation, arthritis, anger, judgement, criticism, hyperacidity, loose stools, diarrhea and inflammatory problems of the digestive tract.
• Great recipe for Pitta types during Ayurvedic cleanses.
• Great recipe for late spring, summer, and early fall (but can be enjoyed year-round for Pitta types and Pitta imbalance).

Preparation: Following the same instructions as Vata with Pitta

Kapha cleansing

Kapha’s ingredients can make for a more aggressive cleanse since Kaphas tends to overdo it easily. They can limit themselves to a meal of kitchari at noon and sip hot water coriander, cumin, fennel as needed to cleanse excess fluids in Kapha.

Perform a nasal wash with your neti pot and add 2 drops of sesame oil to clear the sinuses as Kapha tends to clog mucus. Postnasal drip leads to excess gastric mucus, which hampers digestion.

If possible, practice a dry sauna ideal for wet and cold Kapha types.

Kapha should practice dry brushing the skin and exercise daily. They benefit from a more invigorating yoga practice emphasizing backbends and inhaling to open and clear the lungs and enliven the body. They too should take triphala before bed and aim to fall asleep by 10:00 p.m. Rather than napping during the day, Kaphas should aim to go to bed earlier if he feels exhausted.

Kitchari for Kapha

Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Time: 60 mins Harm Level: Easy
• Spring, Fall-Winter
• Repairs, Cleanses 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati Rice: Vata and Pitta soothing Kapha aggravating
• 4 Bay Leaves: Vata and Kapha pacifying Pitta aggravating
• 1/4 tsp cardamom Vata Kapha and Pitta soothing
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Vata and kapha pacifying, Pitta aggravating
• 1/4 tsp cloves Vata and Kapha soothing, Pitta aggravating
• 1 tsp cumin Vata aet Kapha soothing Pitta aggravating
• 2 tbsp ghee: Vata and Pitta pacifying Kapha aggravating
• 1 cm fresh ginger: Vata Pitta and Kapha soothing
• 1/2 cup mung bean: Vata aggravating Pitta and Kapha pacifying
• 1/4 teaspoon salt mineral: Vata pacifying Pitta and Kapha aggravating
• 4 cup water: Vata and Pitta soothing Kapha aggravating

Preparation

1. Use split mung beans if possible. Soak mung beans for several hours before cooking and drain. Add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil, skimming off any foam that forms on top. Then strain the liquid and add another 4 cups of fresh water to the mung dal.

2. When mung beans are dissolved in broth (1-3 hours depending on desired texture), grind ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cumin.

Make a thick paste by adding a little water. Leave to stand for five minutes, then sauté in the ghee until the spices become aromatic but before they turn brown.

Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup water to soak up any remaining flavor from the spices and add to the mung soup.

3. Add rice and remaining ingredients to broth. Stir. Cover and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes or until the grains are tender.

Ayurvedic medicinal qualities

Easy to digest, cleanses toxins, helps reduce weight

Tastes : acrid, bitter, astringent

Doshas : soothing Vata Soothing Kapha Pitta aggravating

Effect : Sattvic, Prana, alkalizing, ojas

Medicinal properties

• Carminative
• Digestive
• Antispasmodic
• Detoxifying
• Burns toxins
• Stimulates energy
• Cardiac
• Vasodilator
• Antimicrobial
• Anthelmintic
• Diuretic
• Decongestant
• Galactagogue

Longer cleansing

These techniques require more planning, time and commitment. It is a period of rest without stress.

• A 1-3 day cleanse done correctly and with full commitment often brings great benefits with minimal effort. Better to opt for this than to push yourself into a 5 or 7 day cleanse that you can’t give your full attention to. This type of cleaning can be a little more intense because it only needs to be done for a maximum of 3 days. Most people can easily eat kitchari for 3 days without getting fed up or feeling weak.

• Deep cleaning can last 7-10 days. A cleanse like this gives you time to do a more gradual cleanse so it shocks the system less. You can cut out the foods you need slowly and steadily without feeling too deprived. The downside is that it can be difficult to maintain discipline for so long. I also offer you a detox program over 9 days. Nothing to do… just follow the program.

• Longer cleanses last from 14 days to 3 months this is panchakarma. These types of cleanings require the supervision of an experienced practitioner and a high commitment on the part of the client.

Contraindications for cleansing

Cleansing eliminates toxins, but the process of eliminating toxins also tires your body.

Many of my patients do impromptu home cleanings without guidance or use new cleaning techniques that are unsuitable for their constitutions.

And often come to me with health problems caused by improper cleaning. Ayurveda’s approach is more gentle.

Ayurvedic methods minimize exhaustion while maximizing the release of toxins and these methods are especially tailored to each person’s constitution to ensure that your cleansing supports you.

Avoid detoxes during menstruation, because the body is already cleansing. Ayurveda always considers a person’s age and strength to determine which cleansing is optimal. The person should not be too young (under 7), too old (over 70) or too exhausted.

We will not do a detox during pregnancy or breastfeeding, however a cleansing 3 months before becoming pregnant is a common Ayurvedic practice.

We will also avoid detoxes during illnesses because the body is already tired to fight.

When to clean up

• After a vacation,
• A party,
• A period of stress,
• A period of excess.

Early fall and early spring are considered the best times to detox. If the temperatures are extreme (hot or cold), it is better to avoid intense cleaning.

Cleanses are also recommended when you begin to feel sick in order to prevent illness. In some cases, a detox is useful right after an illness to ensure full recovery and rejuvenation.

The longer you clean, the longer you need to recover. For all dosha types, it is important to maintain a solid routine when cleansing.

Eat, wake up and sleep at the same time every day.

For longer cleans, consider taking time off work, staying still, staying home, staying warm, and limiting social obligations.

Recovery

Coming out of a mindful cleanse is just as important as doing a mindful cleanse.

foods easily digestible and simple

For example, if you did a 3-day cure, simply eat for 3 days after your cure. Continue to maintain a solid routine as your body comes back into full swing.

Support your body and healing by periodically scheduling detox times. Attention and prevention are the best allies to maintain our health.

References

Ayurveda and Panchakarma: Measuring the Effects of a Holistic Health Intervention

Lifestyle disorders: Ayurveda with lots of potential for prevention

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is mostly an acquired disease, which develops due to poor lifestyles. Then is diabetes reversible?

“sama dosha sama agnischa sama dhatu mala kriyaaha |Prasanna atma indriya manaha swastha iti abhidheeyate” – Sushruta Samhita

Means perfect health is the perfect balance between:

• The 3 doshas (sama dosha) i.e. vata, pitta, kapha ,
• Digestive fire or agni (sama agnischa) 
• Body tissues (sama dhatu)
• Excretory functions (mala kriyaha)
• With positive mind (atma), senses (indriya), mind (manah)

According to WHO, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not simply the absence of disease.

 What is type 2 diabetes?

The term “diabetes mellitus” is derived from the Greek word “diabetes” which means “siphon” (to pass through) and from the Latin word “mellitus” which means “honeyed” or “sweet”. Diabetes occurs when excess sugar is found in the blood and urine.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with abnormally high levels of blood sugar – this implies that a person’s hemoglobin glicosilada (HbA1C0) is 7% or higher.

What causes type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is mostly an acquired disease, which develops due to poor lifestyles. In some cases, the disease is acquired quite easily due to predisposed genetic factors.

The pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach, secretes a hormone called insulin which regulates blood sugar. In diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas are damaged and therefore they produce less insulin.

Diabetes may also be linked to aging. As a person ages, the pancreas also ages and insulin production decreases. As a result, blood sugar rises, leading to diabetes.

The pathophysiology of diabetes indicates peripheral insulin resistance, decline in beta cell function, and impaired hepatic glucose regulation. Today, diabetes is rampant among young and middle-aged men and women. In this particular context, the generalization of diabetes is mainly attributed to insulin resistance.

In short, diabetes is usually an acquired disorder although there is also a genetic predisposition.

There are also other less common causes:

• Gestational 
• diabetes Latent autoimmune diabetes
• A rare form of diabetes due to a genetic mutation or monogenic diabetes
• Diabetes due to cystic fibrosis of the pancreas 
• Chronic pancreatitis leading to diabetes
• Long-term use of steroids leading to diabetes

Caused by insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance is caused by visceral fat – fat found on muscles, internal organs including the liver, intestines, heart, kidneys, etc. Visceral fat is derived from consumed carbohydrates which are not used as energy and therefore stored as fat in the body.

Insulin resistance drastically reduces the uptake of sugar from the blood into the cells, which makes the patient tired and fatigued, while the glucose remains in the blood.

To fight diabetes caused by insulin resistance, you must reduce visceral fat by moderating your diet, abandoning a sedentary lifestyle and actively managing stress.

Diabetes according to Ayurveda?

In the Ayurvedic lexicon, diabetes is called “Prameha” or “Madhumeha”.

‘Madhu’ translates to ‘sweet as honey’ and ‘Meha’ refers to ‘urine’. 5000 years ago, doctors detected the presence of glucose in urine and performed physical tests in which they studied the appearance of urine to diagnose the type of dosha involved in diabetes.

The etiopathology of diabetes indicates that reliance on a sedentary lifestyle and excessive sleep can aggravate Kapha Dosha and trigger diabetes. In addition, consumption of the following foods can also lead to diabetes by aggravating Kapha and vitiating fatty and muscle tissues:

• Yogurt and other dairy products
• Meat from domestic and aquatic animals
• Freshly harvested cereals
• Alcoholic beverages
• Jaggery [coconut sugar]

Similarly , Pitta Dosha can be aggravated by diet and lifestyle factors. This can cause another type of diabetes.

When Kapha and Pitta are out of balance, it disrupts Vata. Therefore, aggravated Vata draws the essence from bone marrow and lymph and passes it into the urinary tract, which ultimately causes another type of diabetes. 

How does Ayurveda treat diabetes?

The aim of Ayurveda in the treatment of diabetes is to achieve ‘reverse pathogenesis‘, also known as ‘Samprapti Vighatana’. In doing so, the cause and techniques to remove the etiology or causal factors are provided.

For this reason, under Ayurvedic treatment, you do not achieve immediate blood sugar control and acute management is best achieved with the help of allopathic medicines. 

The advantage of the Ayurvedic method is that it attacks the root cause and eliminates the problem at the root. To achieve maximum results in this endeavor, perseverance is essential.

Ayurveda therapies for diabetes?

There are many therapies used in Ayurveda to fight diabetes. I describe some of them below.

1. Detox/ Panchakarma for diabetes management

This line of treatment is described in detail in Charaka Samhita. The treatment procedure is different for thin and obese patients. A combination of nourishing therapies and medications are administered to an emaciated individual. In case of obesity, the use of Panchakarma treatments – Vamana and Virechana – is advised.

• Before detox, the Udwartana procedure is performed – this is a dry, medicated herbal powder massage that is performed to reduce visceral fat.
• A series of sweat therapies such as Jambeera Pinda Sweda/Choorna Pinda Sweda followed by Bashpa Sweda are performed to promote the reduction of fat and insulin resistance respectively.
• Abdominal Udwartana using a formulation of anti-cellulite herbs, a massage is performed on the abdomen resulting in inch loss.
• Shirodhara or Shiro Takra Dhara is practiced to relax and calm the mind.
• Dinacharya and Ratricharya are administered to maintain the normal circadian cycle and rhythms of the body.

Therapy cure/reverse diabetes?

Yes, Panchakarma is a prerequisite for reversing the root causes of diabetes. Holistic mind-body interventions, dietary modifications, yoga, stress management, etc. will become more effective in reversing diabetes after a Panchakarma session. Detoxification promotes the elimination of toxins and allows cells to function optimally, whether it is pancreatic beta cells or fat metabolism.

Ref. : end of article

Study in IJGMP finds that Panchakarma therapy and corrective dietary measures helped to significantly reduce FBS [Fasting Blood Sugar Test] and PPBS [Post-Prandial Blood Sugar test], and there are also notable lipid correction trends.

It is proposed that prior to pharmacological intervention – through Ayurveda or modern diabetes management, the implementation of shodhana [purification methods] could be extremely helpful in helping the body to become very responsive to these interventional methods .

2. Prescription medications to manage diabetes

There are many recipes for internal medications for all types of diabetes.

• A decoction of Haridra, Daru Haridra, Tagara and Vidanga mixed with honey is a magic potion for a Kapha diabetic. This remedy is notoriously prescribed in classical Ayurvedic texts.
• A decoction of Triphala, Musta, Darunisa and Visala mixed with a paste of Haridar and honey is a recipe for all types of diabetes.
• Bhallatakasava and Dantaysava are also helpful in treating diabetes.
• Nisha Amalaki which is a combination of turmeric (Nisha) and Indian gooseberry (Amlaki) is the most beneficial prescription which is a must for all diabetics.

3. Dietary management of diabetes

Diabetes can be managed to a large extent by also controlling the diet. Here are the recommended Ayurvedic dietary practices for diabetes.

• Corn and barley flour pancakes, cooked barley porridge, and roasted corn flour and meat soup (made with meat from birds found in dry, arid lands) are excellent foods.
• Old rice which is harvested in 60 days can be mixed with green gram soup. The food is prepared with bitter astringent vegetables.
• Barley steeped in a decoction of Triphala and kept overnight can be mixed with honey to make a refreshing drink for a diabetic. This recipe is a classic recipe found in the Charaka Samhita.
• Boil water using Khadira’s Heartwood as firewood. This water is excellent for diabetes.
• Room temperature water mixed with honey and Triphala juice is also a good remedy.

4. Managing diabetes through exercise and yoga

Besides herbal remedies and a balanced diet, it is also very important that the patient’s mind be peaceful and his head clear.

Participating in practices such as meditation and yoga helps balance body, mind, and spirit and has a beneficial effect on healing. Very often, once diabetic patients start practicing yoga and meditation, they notice that they unconsciously choose the right foods and pay attention to the amounts of food they eat. 

In addition, meditation and yoga reduce stress levels and thus play an important role in the development and control of diabetes. When we are faced with situations that we perceive as stressful, our body increases the production of “stress” hormones such as cortisone and adrenaline.  

Chronic stress can lead to insulin resistance, which in turn raises blood sugar levels. With the regular practice of meditation and yoga, the levels of stress hormones decrease, which allows better control of the disease.

Yoga exercises that focus on reducing central obesity and visceral fat are most beneficial. There are many asanas specially designed for this. Diabetic patients are advised to start yoga under the guidance of a licensed yoga practitioner.

Can Ayurveda control diabetes?

Yes, Ayurveda can control diabetes. Since the disease is an acquired lifestyle disorder, Ayurveda can trigger the process of remission. The focus should be on reducing drug dependency (Ayurveda/Allopathy) and adapting to a new and improved way of life. Efforts should be made to improve diet, daily routines, yoga or exercise program, and stress management techniques.

There are many herbs that help lower blood sugar. Gymnema Sylsvetre is an herb commonly used in the management of diabetes. The herb prevents the absorption of glucose from the intestine and thus helps to reduce the glucose content in the blood. Additionally, chewing the herb helps destroy the sweetness in the mouth. Appropriately, the plant is known as “Madhu Nashini” or “destroyer of sweetness”.

Detox/Panchakarma removes toxins that hinder metabolism at macro and micro levels as the gut and cells are cleared of Ama (toxins that hinder function). It improves the gut microbiome and, in turn, improves metabolism. Since diabetes is a metabolic disorder, it is ideal to address the root cause by optimizing the metabolic rate.

Can Ayurveda reverse diabetes?

Yes, Ayurveda can reverse diabetes. The treatment protocol in Ayurveda focuses on Reverse Pathogenesis. Therefore, it takes some time for the restoration of good blood sugar control to occur. It is important to remember that the treatment protocols target the genesis of the disorder, ie the intestine and the metabolism.

In addition, the mode and type of treatment depends on the stage of diabetes. If the diabetic is newly diagnosed, it is easier for the reversal process to begin. In a chronic diabetic, the associated risk factors may already have set in and reversal may be a slower process.

If it’s recently diagnosed diabetes, certain lifestyle changes and exercise can easily reverse the disease. It is relatively easier in this case to control blood sugar. With the right combination of diet, yoga, stress management and Ayurvedic herbs and therapies, one successfully combats insulin resistance and restores normal circadian rhythms.

In uncontrolled diabetes with a chronicity of more than a year, a combination of allopathy and Ayurvedic medicines can help control blood sugar. After that, the focus should be on weaning off all medications and working your way back to reversal through lifestyle changes, improved diet, yoga, stress management techniques, and Ayurvedic therapies.

In chronic diabetes over 5 years, associated risks include kidney failure, retinal damage, cardiovascular problems, etc. Diabetes reversal again involves diet, yoga, stress management, and Ayurvedic medications and therapies appropriate for this stage. The focus is on preventing further harm and improving quality of life.

The best time to reverse and discontinue the drug is in the pre-diabetic stage where blood sugar control shows borderline diabetes and other predisposing factors like sedentary lifestyle, stress, and poor eating/lifestyle habits are confirmed .

Conclusion

Early detection of diabetes can be used as a trigger to start the lifestyle improvement process. With appropriate lifestyle modifications and basic medications, you can completely reverse the disease.

References

Efficacy of Integrated Ayurveda treatment protocol in type 2 diabetes mellitus – A case report

Use of Ayurveda in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Use of Ayurveda in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Effectiveness and Safety of Ayurvedic Medicines in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Clinical efficacy of Mehamudgara vati in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Effect of Ayurveda intervention, lifestyle modification and Yoga in prediabetic and type 2 diabetes under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)–AYUSH integration project