Historical Background of Rasashastra (Indian alchemy)

Historical background of Indian Alchemy by ayurvedappt

Ayurveda & AIDS

Ayurveda & AIDS AIDS- MODERN CONCEPT AIDS is an acronym for the 'Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome'. AIDS is not a single disease but it is a syndrome- a set of diseases, which results from the destruction of the body's defenses by human immune deficiency virus, HIV. The virus that causes ' Aids' - HIV belongs to a family of viruses known as retroviruses. HIV looks like a rolled up porcupine. It contain two snakes like single strands of RNA along with reverse transcripts firmly wrapped up in a core, giving HIV its characteristic appearance. On entering the white blood cells known as CD 4 cells, HIV produces its own DNA and sees to it that this gets inserted into the DNA of the host cell. The viral DNA has enough power and information to direct the destiny of the cell. It can force the cell to manufacture several new copies of HIV. However due to certain trigger and regulatory mechanisms, the viral DNA lies dormant in the host cell for several years before it begins to do the damage. People infected with HIV may take 7 - 10 years to develop AIDS. AIDS AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE According to Ayurveda the AIDS disease may be correlated with "Kshaya' or "Ojakshaya' meaning loss of energy. The Symptoms and causative factors and treatment for the latter are found mentioned in many ancient Ayurvedic tests like, Charaka Samhitha, Bhavaprakasha,Vaidyachintamani and Chakradatta etc., Shosha is another condition, which results from loss of energy that is similar to AIDS. The disease is caused by the dominant kapha dosha along with the other doshas tends to block the path for the flow of rasadi dhatus in their respective locations thus resulting in the deterioration of saptha dhatu Rasa(plasma), Rakta (blood cells),Mansa ( muscular tissue), Meda (adipose tissue), Asthi (bony tissue), Majja (bone marrow) and the Shukra (reproductive tissue). thus resulting into the disease. The major symptoms are: loss of appetite, drastic loss of weight-emaciation fatigue and lethargy susceptibility to allergies and contagious diseases skin irritations bronchial disorders, often leading to tuberculosis of the lungs damage to intestinal flora resulting in diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis and wide fluctuations in body temperature. prolonged fever sleeplessness etc. TREATMENT OF AIDS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDIC SYSTEM: All seems not lost for the HIV infected persons as the Ayurvedic supplements are proven to be harmless without any side effects and there can only be improvement and not deterioration. TREATMENT PLAN The first step to stem the disease is to ensure a good and healthy atmosphere for the patient. He should be surrounded by well meaning friends and relatives who must affirm that the disease state is totally curable. Nothing negative should be discussed before the patient. The patient should be given nourishing food which is easily digestible. He should be encouraged to do easy exercise which does not strain his fragile health. He should be kept engaged in fruitful activities which strengthen the good tendencies inherent in him. Initially, the patient is given tonics and rejuvenators (Rasayanas) to boost immunity levels and to strengthen the system and stimulate appetite. After gaining some strength, shodhana (elimination) techniques are used to expel toxins from the body through enemas, purgation and emesis. The medications administered at this stage are not hard or drastic, but soft, ghee-based so that the patient withstands them with ease. Secondly the blood is purified with appropriate medications. Liver corrective measures also play an important role. A strengthening diet along with medicated ghee preparations and soups is recommended. But spicy, oily and acidic foods are to be avoided. A little alcohol is recommended as anupana (carrier) to aid the digestive process, and also remove blockages in the flow of Rasadi dhatus, i.e. srothorodha. Patient is advised to do regular exercise. If the patient is incapable of exercising or running due to weakness, then steaming (swedanam) is also recommended. reason behind this is 'Heated blood is said to weaken, and even destroy, the virus in some cases'. Experience has shown that certain herbo-mineral compounds prepared as per the formulae prescribed by sages like Agasthya, Charaka, Sarangadhara and others for the treatment of Kshaya have brought about significant results in improving the condition of AIDS patients. The Rasayana and Vajikara effects of the these medicines are good for the patients. Some of the propritery ayurvedic medicines achieving good improvement in the quality of life of patients include 'Chyavanprash', 'Raktavardhak' for Immunity building and 'Sookshma triphla tabs' to keep awaythe the infection. CHYAVANPRASH: An example of an Ayurvedic remedy which may be of use in the treatment of persons diagnosed with AIDS is 'Chyavanprash'. 'Chyavanprash' is most useful and most popular rejuvenator tonic(Rasayana) of Ayurveda. This is an Ayurvedic herbal formula which increases ojas, and restores the digestive, eliminative, respiratory and sexual systems. It is frequently employed in wasting conditions where it has been clinically shown to improve health and assist with weight gain. The main ingredient in Chyavanprash is 'Amalaki'- the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), which has the highest yield of natural source vitamin C, with 3000 mg per fruit. It is also a rich source of naturally occurring anti-oxidants including bioflavonoids, vitamin B-complex and carotenes (vitamin A). Studies suggest that this berry possesses antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It assists digestion, lowers high blood pressure and lowers blood cholesterol. Clinical research has shown that it accelerates repair of muscle and skin and enhances natural anti-inflammatory substances. Chayvanprash also contains about 35 others herbs which amplify and augment the effects of its main ingredient; such a powerful formulation may indeed be helpful in the treatment of persons who have been diagnosed with AIDS. Other useful drugs include - Shatavari -used as 'Shatavari kalpa', Guduchi(Tinospora cordifolia), Kalmegh(Andrographis paniculata) etc.

Ayurveda & stress Management

Ayurveda & stress Management

10 Practical Steps in Ayurveda for Healthy Living

1.      Understanding Ayurveda with its values

2.      Understanding your prakruti (dosic, mind-body constitution)

3.      Living in tune with your constitution

4.      Selecting diet in relation to your body type

5.      Following vedic routine (dina carya)

6.      Following seasonal routine (Ritu carya)

7.      Exercise (vyayama), etc.

8.      Abyangam (oil massage) as preventive measure

9.      Sat vrttam (life style and behavioral pattern), Daiva vyapasraya chikitsa  (spiritual and       religious therapies as per classics)

10.  Nitya rasayanam - intake of herbal medicines for prevention.

Stress

·         Stress is physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. Tension is mental or emotional strain, suspense, anxiety, or excitement. Anxiety is a reaction to a real or imagined threat, a general feeling of uneasiness or dread.

·         Stress can be brought about by a traumatic accident, death or emergency situation

·         Stress can also be side effect of a serious illness or disease.

·         There is also stress associated with daily life, the workplace and family responsibilities

·         Scientists know that many types of stress can activate the body's endocrine system, which in turn can cause changes in the immune system

 Stress in General

·         Can't cope, can't concentrate, feel hopeless, helpless, depressed and tired

·         Often irritable and angry, can't control your temper

·         Eat too much or too little, eat erratically

·         Have trouble in sleeping, don't get enough sleep, or sleep too much and still feel tired

·         Smoking in excess, more than normal intake of alcohol, caffeine or drugs

·         Have frequent headaches, backaches and stomach aches

·         Cut back on exercises

·         Family tensions run higher than usual. You and your spouse fight more often

·         Not interested in sex

·         Get cough and colds and allergies

 Ayurveda

·         Ayu + Veda - science of life, oldest healing art and mother of all medical sciences that is continuously in practice for more than 5000 years

·         It treats the person as a whole and stresses on prevention over cure without neglecting the cure

·         Ayurveda defines a person as the replica of the macrocosm and advise him to live in tune with the nature

    Health in Ayurveda

·         Health in Ayurveda is defined as "svasta" means established in the self

·         The health in Ayurveda is the state of harmony experienced by the self in physical, mental and spiritual levels

·         Fundamental principle that govern the health are called as tridosas

·         They are - vata, pitta and kapha

    Tridosas

·         The tridosas are the representatives of the five great elements namely, Akash (Space), vayu (Air), agni (Fire), ap (Water) and prithvi (Earth)

·         Vata is of air and ether element

·         Pitta is of fire element

·         Kapha is of earth and water element

Ayurvedic View of Stress

·         According to Ayurveda stress affects the agni or the internal metabolic fire which in turn affects digestion and metabolism, so the circulatory rasa dhatu (plasma), raktha (blood), mamsa (muscle tissue), medas (fat and adipose tissue), asti (bone and cartilage), majja (marrow and nervous tissue); sukra (reproductive fluids) will be affected.

·         Above all the ojas or body's entire defense mechanism will be affected.

·         Hidden stress affects agni (digestive fire), dosa., dhatu, ojas, produce degeneration, depletion and accelerates aging process.

·         This produces cellular damage and produces wide range of diseases either chronic or acute.

·         Vata is the dosa which react very much to the stress which in turn vitiate other factors. There is a close relationship between respiratory rate and restlessness

Features of vata prakruti

·         Thin lean personality with dry skin and hair

·         Erratic digestion and metabolism

·         Highly restless

·         Disturbed sleep

·         Short term memory

·         Insecure and unpredictable emotional state, fearful and anxious

·         Earns well and spends quickly and unwisely

·         Likes oily, sweet, sour and salty foods

Prone Diseases  - Physical

·         Body pain - myalgia

·         Weight loss

·         Cold intolerance

·         Chronic fatigue syndrome

·         Constipation

·         IBS

·         Other diseases affecting brain, heart and nervous system

    Prone Diseases - Psychological

·         Dementia

·         Insomnia

·         Fear and phobias

·         Anxiety

·         Delirium

    Features of Pitta prakruti

·         Moderate body weight and strength

·         Hot intolerance

·         Sharp hunger

·         Aggressive and irritable

·         Likes cool atmosphere

·         Judgmental

·         Intelligent

Prone Diseases  - Physical

·         Chronic fatigue syndrome

·         Acid peptic disease

·         Excess sweating

·         Dizziness

·         High B.P.

·         Auto immune diseases

Prone diseases - Psychological

·         Anger

·         Aggressiveness

·         Intolerance

·         Disturbed sleep

Features of Kapha Prakruti

·         Obese and gains weight easily (can't loose easily)

·         Good strength, oily skin and dense hair

·         Calm, steady and agreeable

·         Long time memory

·         Stable

·         Logical and likes spicy foods

Prone Diseases - Physical

·         Diabetes

·         Weight gain

·         Cholesterol

·         Oedema

·         Indigestion

·         Respiratory problems

·         Allergies

·         Hypo thyroidism

Prone Diseases - Psychological

·         Depression

·         Laziness

·         Excess sleep, etc.

Dina carya (Daily regimen)

·         Get up at brahma muhurta (3 am to 6 am)

·         Attend to your  calls of nature (urination, defecation)

·         Clean the teeth with twigs and occasional gum massage with herbal tooth powders

·         Clean the tongue with the scrapper to remove mucus to enhance taste

·         Do gargling with cold water and splash the eyes with the same

·         Do nasya with anu taila followed by gargling with warm water and inhalation of smoke.

·         Daily usage of nasya will give strength to the shoulder muscles, prevent sinusitis, spondylosis, produces clarity of senses, hair growth and good voice.

·         Do oil massage to mitigate vata, to promote strength, sleep, growth, etc..

·         Do regular exercises as per your personality

·         Do prayers and meditation

·         Have regulations over sex and sleep

Diet

·         Pay attention to calls of nature before eating

·         Bath or at least wash your hands, face and feet before you eat

·         Sit in an isolated clean area

·         Face the direction of the sun

·         Pray and thank nature for providing you food

·         Approach each items with reverence and love and chew them well.

·         Feed others

·         Concentrate and eat with confidence. Avoid seeing T.V, conversation during eating

·         Consider eating as a yagna (sacrifice) you are offering havis to the internal fire who is Bhagavan (God)

·         Utilize rice, wheat, barley, tender radish, grapes, green gram, jaggery, ghee, milk, honey, pomegranate, triphala daily

·         Half of the stomach should be filled with solid food

·         One quarter by liquids and the other quarter should be kept vacant for air

·         Avoid curd at night

·         See that all the six tastes are present in the menu.

·         Foods which are preserved from the previous day should not be taken except curd ,ghee, honey, butter milk

·         Eat sweet, oily food first; sour, spicy in the middle and bitter, astringent at the last

·         The food should be warm

·         Eat always accustomed food (in relation to body, age, season, dosa and diseases)

Activities after meals

·         Take tambulam (betel leaves) , walk about hundred steps and lie on the left side

·         Avoid driving, swimming and exertion immediately after meals.

Six Seasons

Sisira	Late Winter	Mid January to March
Vasantham	Spring	Mid March to May
Grisma	Summer	Mid May to July
Varsha	Rain	Mid July to September
Sarad	Autumn	Mid September to November
Hemanta	Early Winter	Mid November to January

Season and Taste (For utilization)

Season	Taste
Spring	Sweet, sour, salt
Winter and rainy	Bitter, astringent, pungent
Summer	Sweet
Autumn	Sweet, bitter, astringent

Strength and Seasons

Strength	Seasons
Maximum	Early and late winter
Moderate	Autumn and spring
Minimum	Summer and rainy

Oil massage

·         Application of oil on head and body parts is one of the daily routine in Indian culture.

·         Processed sesame seed  oil is used  generally for Vata and Kapha

·         Coconut oil is good for Pitta

·         For Vata people it is advised every day, for Pitta alternative days, for Kapha people once in a week

·         Oil bath is avoided in cases of indigestion, cough, cold, diarrhoea, fever, menstrual cycle, conjunctivitis, post emesis therapy, purgation and infectious diseases etc.

·         Application of oil on the head, ears and feet is necessary.

·         Warm water bath after fifteen to thirty minutes is advised.

·         Avoid cold water bath, ice creams, curd, sex, day sleep, alcohol, exposure to sun and exertion during the day of massage

Benefits of oil bath

·         It controls Vata, promotes strength and sleep, overcomes fatigue, provides growth, prevents old age, mitigates pain, promotes hair growth and vision.

 Qualities of Rasayana

·         Improves appetite, digestion and assimilation; enhances serum proteins, fat and carbohydrate metabolism

·         Improves muscular tone and retards the changes in the skin that develop with age, promotes regeneration of epidermal cells

·         Assures normal sleep

·         Reestablishes regular bowel habits

·         Relieves vague aches and pains

·         Promotes healthy vigour and a sense of well being

     Special Treatment for Management of Stress

·         If the guidelines adopted by the person fails he should consult an ayurvedic doctor and he does treatment like shirodhara (pouring medicated oil in a continuous stream over the scalp of a person), shirovasti (allowing the oil to stand on the scalp of a person by fixing a cap), nasya (nasal application of medicines are done) special medicines like manasamitram, brahmi, asvagandha, vaca, sankapuspi, jadamamsi are highly effective in these conditions.